When Did Employers Start Drug Testing

Employers began drug testing in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s as part of the government’s War on Drugs campaign. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to establish drug-free workplaces, and many private companies soon followed suit. Since then, drug testing has become increasingly common in many industries as a way for employers to screen potential hires, ensure a safe work environment, and discourage drug use among employees.