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Do employers test for nicotine?

Asked by seekingwolf (10410points) March 5th, 2011

Okay, so I have a secret vice that no one really knows about…
I like cigars once in a while.

I know, I know, it’s terrible. All my friends think they are disgusting and if they were going to smoke, it would be cigarettes (EW!). But hey, I know what I enjoy.

About 2x a month, I get one high quality expensive cigar, light up, and enjoy it on an evening outside, usually when I walk. I love the taste and smell, and it’s quite relaxing. It’s fun to do with a good friend too. Then I go take a quick shower and no one knows the difference.

The last time I smoked one, it was about 2 weeks ago, on a weekend.

Now, my concern is, what about drug tests? I have done urine drug tests before. I am going to apply for a few jobs in the summer (all minimum-wage, cashier-type jobs). I know I have a good shot because there are a bunch and I’m applying a bit early. I believe at the one place, they test both urine/hair.

Obviously illegal drugs would be out (I haven’t done any of those ever) but do jobs turn down people for nicotine? I would put down that I am a “social smoker” if they asked – I don’t lie. I just don’t know what the answer is here. I am 21, so it’s not illegal for me, it’s a simple cashier job, etc.

I don’t know if they test for nicotine AT ALL or if they do, do they just not care, because I’m over 18 and it’s a legal drug?

EDIT: BTW, let’s please not make this about how cigars are bad. I don’t want to hear about lung cancer…I’m aware it happens with what I’m doing. I’m not “addicted” and my frequency in smoking hasn’t increased in many months. It’s something that I enjoy that comes with a risk, as does alcohol and fatty foods for other people.

I just want to know about the drug test.

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