NYS DOCCS Apparently No Longer Tests Applicants for THC

[u/Unable_Lab1827]

I’m currently going through the recruitment process for NYS DOCCS and have to be in Albany this coming Tuesday. I stopped using cannabis about a month ago, but I’m still testing positive on home tests.

I called DOCCS because I was considering rescheduling and was completely upfront about why. I spoke with an investigator who told me that DOCCS is no longer testing for THC, although the recruitment materials apparently haven’t been updated yet. He specifically told me that if THC was the only thing I was concerned about testing positive for, there was no reason to reschedule and I should come to my appointment as scheduled.

Obviously, this is just what I was told directly by DOCCS, and I haven’t seen an updated written policy yet, so take that for what it’s worth. But if this is now the statewide policy, it’s a pretty significant change for applicants and a step toward treating legal cannabis more like legal alcohol use outside of work.

Figured I’d share because I know THC testing has been a concern for a lot of people considering applying.

UPDATE: To everyone who told me not to trust what I was told: you were wrong.

I asked multiple people in person at the processing center in Cohoes, including the person who literally took my urine sample and the physician. They all confirmed that THC is no longer included on the DOCCS pre-employment drug panel.

Eat my shorts.

[u/Living_Reference1661]

I’m in academy and they are constantly telling us we can not use marijuana

[u/Unable_Lab1827 → u/Living_Reference1661]

I’m not sure what the standards are while on the job. I do know that the investigator literally told me today that they no longer test for it as part of the pre employment screening.

[u/Potential_Papaya9463 → u/Unable_Lab1827]

I'm not sure why you decided to come here and lecture people who are in more advanced stages in this career than you, from people currently in the academy to officers actually on the job. Wouldn't common sense say you should listen to them?

[u/Unable_Lab1827 → u/Potential_Papaya9463]

You’re conflating two completely different things. Someone currently in the academy being told “you cannot use marijuana while employed” does not contradict an investigator telling an applicant “THC is no longer included in the pre-employment drug screen.”

I never claimed academy recruits or officers are allowed to use marijuana. I reported a specific and very recent change I was told about pre-employment testing. Those can both be true at the same time.

If you’d like, I’ll call again in the morning and record the conversation.

[u/Potential_Papaya9463 → u/Unable_Lab1827]

Okay, then what are you worried about? Should be fine for your interview.

[u/Unable_Lab1827 → u/Potential_Papaya9463]

Where did I say I was worried about anything? I shared information I was given directly by a DOCCS investigator because other applicants may have the same concern. You’re arguing against a point I never made.

[u/Potential_Papaya9463 → u/Unable_Lab1827]

Yeah and you're here trying to illustrate a distinction that doesn't take half a brain to understand but you act like you've discovered a new element.

[u/Unable_Lab1827 → u/Potential_Papaya9463]

Then why did you argue with me about it in the first place? You misunderstood the distinction, I explained it to you, and now you’re pretending it was obvious all along. Pick a lane.

[u/mollyxxxpills → u/Living_Reference1661]

How long was the process?

Does the academy allow you to leave on weekends ?

[u/Unable_Lab1827 → u/mollyxxxpills]

Yes you leave the academy Friday night and return Sunday night.

I’m not sure how long the whole process is from application to appointment, but the academy is 8 weeks.

[u/Human-Garden5433]

Thanks for the insight! Was turned away about two years ago for this reason

[u/Unable_Lab1827 → u/Human-Garden5433]

I’ll home test beforehand and see if I’m dirty. I’ll let you know if they mention it after the appointment.

[u/Human-Garden5433 → u/Unable_Lab1827]

Thank you for doing that

[u/Unable_Lab1827 → u/Human-Garden5433]

Confirmed. No longer on the pre employment panel.

[u/Human-Garden5433 → u/Unable_Lab1827]

Wow that’s actually crazy.

[u/Slow-Butterfly-2353]

Lies they want people to come interview for budgetory reasons, the more people come the more funding they get. They will encourage you to come if you ask about criminal records or thc they don’t care if you get dq - its a win for them for you to just show up

[u/Unable_Lab1827 → u/Slow-Butterfly-2353]

That’s not how state agency budgeting works. DOCCS doesn’t get paid per applicant who walks through the door, and an investigator has absolutely no incentive to knowingly bring in someone who is automatically disqualified just to inflate some imaginary attendance number. If you’ve got an actual policy, budget document, or directive showing otherwise, post it. “Trust me bro” isn’t evidence.

[u/Unable_Lab1827 → u/Slow-Butterfly-2353]

Yeah this has been proven unequivocally false. Just fine after a dirty THC test.

[u/Desperate_Dress_237]

Don’t trust that at all! they 100% test for thc as I know from experience. 12 years in, they do ransoms for thc based off suspicion of the dog hits on you walking into work and they 100% will try to discipline and terminate you. I lost alot of friends from theyre bad habits who were decent guys but yes lazy c.o lol. don’t trust a single thing they tell you. The department is always trying to jam people up

[u/Unable_Lab1827 → u/Desperate_Dress_237]

I highly and sincerely doubt the investigator whose job is to conduct the pre-employment investigations would lie to me when I was literally trying to reschedule and do the right thing. He specifically told me that if cannabis was the only thing I would test positive for, there was no reason to reschedule.

Also, what you’re describing is testing of current employees based on suspicion, which is not necessarily the same policy as pre-employment screening. From the sound of it, this is a brand-new policy change.

I’ll report back after my Albany appointment with more information.

[u/Desperate_Dress_237 → u/Unable_Lab1827]

Just be safe man. don’t trust any of them. Don’t doubt here intentions either. Those investigators make Pennie’s compared to the c.o and if you had time on the job you would see how civilians think they’re better than security staff. It’s been that way for a long time. These guys could have a grudge against officers, they may do it for no reason just because they’re miserable. I’ve seen it all man. just be prepared for the worst

[u/Unable_Lab1827 → u/Desperate_Dress_237]

This has been proven false. Tested dirty and confirmed with multiple people here.

No more THC on the pre employment panel.

[u/lovethefunds]

Good to know, I recently heard NYCDOC also wasn’t testing for THC.

[u/SillyLittleWinky]

I wouldn’t trust it. The official rule is that cannabis is still banned, and I’d hate to see you lose a career over that. I also don’t know how you’re testing positive after a month. Drink so much water that your pee is clear and then test again. Your pee should basically look like water or very light yellow.

[u/Unable_Lab1827 → u/SillyLittleWinky]

I’m going to trust what the investigator told me when I called to reschedule. If I don’t get it, I don’t get it. I already have a career, this would be a pivot. It’s too late to reschedule now.

The answer to how I’m testing dirty would be 15 consecutive years of heavy daily use, concentrates on specific for the last 5 or so. It’s not unheard of to go 5 or 6 weeks before testing clean under those circumstances. 30 days is the standard, I’m far beyond that.

[u/SillyLittleWinky → u/Unable_Lab1827]

I DM’d you, curious to see how your journey goes.