Does Dairy Queen drug test for weed?

It depends on the franchise and your state. Most Dairy Queen locations do not screen crew members for marijuana, and many franchises in legal-cannabis states have dropped THC testing entirely. Some owners still test, especially for managers, so ask the specific store. Being impaired on the job is always prohibited.

Does Dairy Queen drug test new employees?

Usually not for entry-level crew. Most cashiers and cooks are hired after an interview and a basic background check with no drug test. Testing is more common for shift leaders and managers, and a minority of franchises test all new hires. Policies are set by each independent owner.

What kind of drug test does Dairy Queen use?

When a franchise tests, it is almost always a standard 5-panel urine test at a local clinic, screening for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. There is no company-wide test because DQ restaurants are independently owned and operated.

Do Dairy Queen managers get drug tested?

More often than crew, yes. Some franchises drug test shift leaders, assistant managers, and general managers before hiring because those roles handle cash, scheduling, and safety. It still varies by owner and state, so confirm with the location where you apply.

Does Dairy Queen do random drug tests?

Random testing is uncommon at the crew level. Most locations only test after a workplace accident or on reasonable suspicion of impairment. A small number of franchises test managers periodically. There is no national random-testing program.

Will a Dairy Queen drug test if I have a record?

A criminal record does not automatically trigger a drug test. Many DQ franchises hire people rebuilding after a record and run only a basic background check. Ask the hiring manager directly whether the position includes a drug screen so you know what to expect.

Does Dairy Queen Drug Test?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

It depends

Dairy Queen (DQ) restaurants are almost entirely franchised — independently owned and operated — so drug testing depends on the franchise owner, the state, and the position. Most crew-level applicants are not drug tested, but some locations test managers or after an incident.

There is no single company-wide answer for Dairy Queen because the vast majority of DQ restaurants are franchises, each independently owned and operated by a local owner who sets hiring rules. In practice, most Dairy Queen locations do NOT drug test entry-level crew members — cashiers, cake decorators, and grill/fry cooks are usually hired after an interview and a basic background check with no drug screen. Testing is more likely for shift leaders, assistant managers, and general managers, and a minority of franchises test all new hires or test after a workplace accident. A few franchise applications explicitly state you must be able to pass a drug test, so read the specific store's paperwork. Because policies vary store to store, the most reliable step is to ask the hiring manager directly at the location where you apply. If you are drug tested, expect a standard urine test at a nearby clinic.

Drug Testing by Position

Position	Tested?	Test Type	When
Crew Member / Cashier	Rarely	Urine (if tested)	Post-accident, reasonable suspicion (most stores)
Cake Decorator	Rarely	Urine (if tested)	Post-accident, reasonable suspicion
Grill / Fry Cook	Sometimes	Urine (if tested)	Varies by franchise
Shift Leader	Sometimes	Urine	Pre-employment at some franchises
Assistant / General Manager	Sometimes	Urine	Pre-employment, post-accident

Drug Test Type and Process

Because DQ restaurants are franchised, there is no standardized corporate drug-testing program for crew. When a franchise does test, it is almost always a standard 5-panel urine test at a local third-party clinic (labs such as Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp) screening for marijuana (THC), cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. The test typically happens after a conditional job offer and before your first shift. Most hourly crew applicants report an interview and a light background check with no drug screen at all. Managers and safety-sensitive roles are the most likely to be tested. If a location tests, the franchise usually pays for it and schedules it at a nearby clinic within a day or two of your offer.

Marijuana Policy

There is no national Dairy Queen marijuana policy — it is set franchise by franchise and shaped by state law. In states where recreational or medical cannabis is legal (and especially where off-duty-use protections exist, such as parts of California, New York, and Nevada), many DQ franchises have quietly stopped screening crew for THC. In other states, individual owners may still test. Regardless of testing, every location prohibits being impaired on the job, and coming to work under the influence is grounds for termination. If off-duty cannabis use is a concern, ask the specific store whether they screen for THC before you accept an offer, since the answer genuinely varies from one franchise to the next.

Tips for Applicants

Dairy Queen is a solid entry-level and second-chance employer: many franchises hire teens, first-time workers, and people rebuilding after a record. Apply in person at the store or through the DQ careers site, and be ready for a quick, friendly interview focused on availability, reliability, and customer service. Because each store is independently owned, ask the hiring manager two direct questions: (1) 'Do you drug test for this position?' and (2) 'Do you run a background check?' — their answers tell you exactly what to expect. Highlight food-service or cash-handling experience, weekend/evening availability, and a positive attitude. If you have a record, focus on your reliability and willingness to work the shifts they need covered.

Recent Policy Changes

Ongoing: Because nearly all DQ locations are independently owned franchises, drug-testing policy has always varied by owner and state rather than following one corporate rule
2020-2026: As more states legalized cannabis and added off-duty-use protections, many franchises dropped pre-employment THC screening for crew positions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dairy Queen drug test for weed?: It depends on the franchise and your state. Most Dairy Queen locations do not screen crew members for marijuana, and many franchises in legal-cannabis states have dropped THC testing entirely. Some owners still test, especially for managers, so ask the specific store. Being impaired on the job is always prohibited.
Does Dairy Queen drug test new employees?: Usually not for entry-level crew. Most cashiers and cooks are hired after an interview and a basic background check with no drug test. Testing is more common for shift leaders and managers, and a minority of franchises test all new hires. Policies are set by each independent owner.
What kind of drug test does Dairy Queen use?: When a franchise tests, it is almost always a standard 5-panel urine test at a local clinic, screening for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. There is no company-wide test because DQ restaurants are independently owned and operated.
Do Dairy Queen managers get drug tested?: More often than crew, yes. Some franchises drug test shift leaders, assistant managers, and general managers before hiring because those roles handle cash, scheduling, and safety. It still varies by owner and state, so confirm with the location where you apply.
Does Dairy Queen do random drug tests?: Random testing is uncommon at the crew level. Most locations only test after a workplace accident or on reasonable suspicion of impairment. A small number of franchises test managers periodically. There is no national random-testing program.
Will a Dairy Queen drug test if I have a record?: A criminal record does not automatically trigger a drug test. Many DQ franchises hire people rebuilding after a record and run only a basic background check. Ask the hiring manager directly whether the position includes a drug screen so you know what to expect.

Take Action — Direct Links

Dairy Queen Careers — Restaurant positions
Official DQ careers site; note that restaurants are independently owned and operated by franchisees
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service: 1-800-662-4357
NORML — State marijuana laws
State-by-state guide to marijuana legalization and workplace protections

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company drug testing policies change frequently and may vary by location. Always confirm the current policy with your hiring manager or HR representative. For substance abuse support, call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7).