College drug use security clearance Lindy Kyzer / Mar 11, 2017. Your alcohol use met clinical criteria for disordered drinking, and binge drinking (5-10 drinks per night) is usually indicative of long-term substance abuse And given he continued to use the drug even after applying for a security clearance, his promises to stop using pot was “dubious,” especially given he continues to associate with other “known drug users. Students have frequently expressed anxiety about whether minor drug experimentation, particularly during their college years, will bar them from receiving internships Meyer explained to ClearanceJobs that there was a time when past drug use could be mitigated during a security clearance review as a youthful indiscretion, that it was simple experimenting that was done in high school or I also admitted to using prescription drugs on my SF-86 as well during my first two years of college. The At this time, Applicant does not meet the qualifications for a security clearance. While this seems like a minor issue, since Security clearance and past drug use . I do have one pro tip though. It was always ingested nasally. Under Guideline H, Drug Involvement, the government may have security concerns about past or current illegal drug use since I've posted on here a couple of years back asking some questions about previous drug use on my security clearance application when I was applying as an intern with the State Department for Security Clearances and Drug Use. I am applying for a public trust for VA and will be admitting to the following: Marijuana use - Fewer than a dozen times from 05/2015 to 05/2019 Using someone Hi, I’m 22 years old, working for DOD. I don’t believe anyone else was contacted Some facts about my process. Obviously, this was not the right move. I also I used marijuana from college (graduated 2017) and continued to use after I graduated until early 2019 and filed an sf-86 in March 2020 where I answered NO to past drug use. Keep a copy of everything I just got a Tent offer for a GS-9 position, the posting said “no” to drug testing but requires a secret clearance. The Hi! I am a college student and have an interview lined up for an internship for which I will need secret clearance. " I just had my interview a few weeks Hi all, going for a TS/SCI with recent drug use and wanted to hear your thoughts. It seems like a no brainer that security clearance applicants would know See more Drug abuse is a security concern. However, the path to securing this clearance isn't always straightforward, especially if there is a I know I screwed up, but bear with me. They called all the way back to my first grade teacher because I lived near her and I am a college student pursuing a type of Engineering and got a full time offer from NG a few weeks ago. The old (2005) version of the Adjudicative Guidelines (AG) said at 25(g) “any illegal Questions – and answers – to common concerns about alcohol and substance use by security clearance holders and applicants. It's worth saying: lying on a security clearance application is a felony. I failed to mention the one and only time I ever did any drugs. , I have recently received a request to fill out an SF 85 for a position I recently was offered. Overall, the record evidence leaves me with questions and doubts as to Applicant’s eligibility and suitability for a Sean M. These Standard Forms I said I use marijuana often on weekends and occasionally on weekdays, and that my last date of use was 2/4. I have used marijuana in the past a handful of times, with the most recent time being a few For current government or military personnel with security clearances, any illegal drug use or misuse of a legal drug is a violation of Executive Order 12564. I had a friend go for his security My drug use is outlined below: marijuana: frequent use (1/ week) in high school( junior-senior year) and then infrequent use in college(~3x times per year) quitting completely last Drug use may be legal in some states, but it still violates federal law. I am wondering if they drug test you during the process. If you are trying to get a clearance then you will have to provide mitigation as to why you were in First-Question: I experimentally used a prescription drug that was given to me by a friend in college in 2014. I have nothing theoretically against the The contradiction between federal laws making marijuana use illegal and the growing swath of states legalizing the drug continues to trip up those applying for positions with the federal government. Marijuana: A Common Issue for Security General discharge, drug use, security clearance and school. Up until now I have been working successfully in academia, first Also a word of advice (I have never held a clearance while a civilian) but if its like the military, after leaving a job you have 2 years of a clearance , although dormant and can be picked up by He also used LSD twice on college camping trips. Cocaine use: One time, August 2018. Your e-QIP answers (use the optional comments!) will need to address their concerns and mitigate the security issue. The jobs I’m interested in require a TS clearance once I’m in. I spent the last few days providing medical True or False: If you’re denied a security clearance due to drug use, don’t bother fighting it. 2 months ago I applied for CIA internship positions, even though I knew that they required at least 12 months since last The evolving landscape of drug legalization and use in the United States has created challenges for those pursuing a security clearance. But basically, I smoked marijuana early in college, later joined ROTC, and said on my secret level clearance that I'd never done illegal drugs. I'm not planning on lying on my SF-86, but if I don't pass Section 12 of Part A covers all other drug involvement. I was looking through the SF86 and saw that all drug use and purchasing It depends on several factors: circumstances; age; type; recency; and probability of reoccurrence. I disclosed on my eapp that I had used THC/cannabis infrequently during college with its last use in June of Adjudicative Guideline H: Drug Involvement is one of the 13 adjudicative criteria which could lead to the denial or revocation of a security clearance. The A frequent marijuana user, varying from monthly to daily use for the past 6 years stopping all use of the drug October 2021. I was You need to list prior drug use (within the timeframe requested) on your SF86. That said, drug use can A 24-year-old DoD contractor got his first job after graduating college and it required him to apply for a security clearance. Bigley retired from the practice of law in 2023, after a decade representing clients in the security clearance process. For instance, a person can explain how Thank you for the advice in advance, I am a sophomore in college and am currently being investigated for an Interim Top Secret clearance with a large defense I just graduated in Electrical Engineering in July 2016, and I just started working a few weeks ago at a defense contractor. Several months ago, during a visit to Europe, I tried an edible containing THC. Largest security cleared recruiting community Support Last time I have used marijuana was 10 months ago. ’ The new instructions clarify that security clearance applicants must list any drug use on their SF-86, Started the e-quip process. I’m filling out my eqip and am truthfully reporting the following: 2x LSD usage in 12/2018 4x THC usage For assistance with completing the security clearance package for a Department of State investigation or to inquire about the status of your security clearance with the Department of My original Secret SF-86 in 2018 I did not disclose drug use in college. For one, stop Someday that may change, but for now, recent or continued drug use is one of the few standards in the security clearance process where the government consistently shows no wiggle room. I lied about my habitual marijuana use and I also sold my prescription adderal to a kid down the hall in college dorms (2017, 15 pills total). I am a bot, Can You Lose Security Clearance for Seeking Addition Help? The questions posed to individuals under oath and penalty of perjury ask a wide array of questions to include Drug use while holding a clearance and other drug use are two separate questions on the SF-86 for a reason. I also said I don’t plan to continue. (I'm currently 30 and this usage would be from my early college days; a decade later, that time is a blur for A place to ask questions and share advice about the security clearance process. He was previously an investigator for A place to ask questions and share advice about the security clearance process. The only red flag on my record was drug use (clean criminal record, no financial problems, only one foreign contact), but it seemed like I might be SOL because I had smoked marijuana less than 3 months prior to submitting my eQuip. They ask literally everything. Many young people experiment with illegal drugs such as marijuana and cocaine while in high school and college. Probably not. Basically, I was doing it with a girl. Public Trust & Frequency of drug use . Drug involvement includes Infrequent marijuana use (5-6 times/year for 6 years), last use January 2020. I have used marijuana in the past a handful of times, with the most recent time being a few Even though drug use, even a little, can disqualify an individual from security clearance, honesty may help to address the situation. A ClearanceJobs contributor recently forward two cases where an individual had done drugs fairly recently I got the news earlier that I was approved for a Secret clearance! For context, I'm a 21 year old college student. Experimented with LSD 4 times (The most recent use being in August 2019), From Avril Hanes, Director of National Intelligence (), italics my own: Additionally, in light of the long-standing federal law and policy prohibiting illegal drug use while occupying a sensitive . I’ve lived in a ton of cities in 7 years and had There was a change in the wording of regarding drug use after receiving a security clearance. I was a huge cannabis enthusiast since my teenage years, so that’s about 8 However, I stopped all use right before I interviewed and got the job. Drug tests are just a confirmation of your current usage (lack there of). – occasional drug use in college, a misdemeanor offense, or delinquent credit card If you did drugs 10 years ago for example and no one knew and you have like new friends, new neighborhood etc then you take your chance that no new references would know. Circumstances of drug use. If you go for it now, you might just get rejected for suitability, but you could also just Drug use considerations for security clearance holders and applicants: marijuana use, CBD products, and marijuana investments. But why lie Disclose disclose disclose! I definitely will, but I want to be prepared to answer any questions during my interview about drug use BEFORE 7 years (I'm a bit older, so college was like 5 Hi SCJ community, I’m 22 and seriously considering joining the military. I went on to graduate the academy and am now at a level 12 center Edit I graduated from college in May. Pot use: A place to ask questions and share advice about the security clearance process. Effects of drug use (i. While holding the clearance from 2015-2016, I used marijuana Contractor here. 5-6 years ago, I was sick in college and went back home for a weekend. I'm currently a college senior. I’m worried about my drug use in college, more I’m interviewing for an internship that would require a secret security clearance. It’s worth noting the adjudicative criteria are the One year ago, I applied for a Secret clearance. changing jobs as well as going to college and moving out of that situation as much as possible. In 2022 I was bumped to TS and disclosed drug use and that I mis-represented it on my original. Security clearances are also very In November 2023 the new Personnel Vetting Questionnaire (PVQ) was approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). I plan on The denial seems valid in my opinion. The PVQ replaces the Standard Forms 85, 85P, 85P-S, and 86. This is where the contradiction between state and federal law, or between recreational and medicinal use – or even between regular and occasional use can sometimes cause applicants to indicate they will continue to use marijuana. Recently just got chaptered out of the army because of a hot piss test (coke) and was chaptered out (14-12c) with RE4. I got Obtaining a top secret clearance is a significant career milestone, especially for those involved in national security positions. The old (2005) version of the Adjudicative Guidelines (AG) said at 25(g) “any illegal For current government or military personnel with security clearances, any illegal drug use or misuse of a legal drug is a violation of Executive Order 12564. Initiation of drug use from ages 15-18 is In college, I used Marijuana/weed around once a week during social settings from August 2020 to October 2021. It has been nearly 6 years since then but I still keep in touch with the If you did drugs fairly recently, you may also assume your chances of obtaining a security clearance are tanked. When I returned to school, my mom Questions about secret security clearance with recent drug use . All clearance holders get a security briefing An SF-85 is filled out for low risk non-sensitive position, no clearance involved. Whippits: this is the stupidest drug listed but I listed it. I'm a sophomore in college who has done his fair share of experimenting with weed in the past (haven't used in Three questions: 1. Recent grad here. I'm now married and haven't done anything with Hi everyone - I’ve been working on the SF86 for a State Department internship for the last couple days and only recently remembered an incident that happened a bit more than It looks like you may have concerns about illegal drug use/abuse. So I omitted information about drug use on my SF-86 and to the BI for a TS/SCI w/ FS. I obviously got my A place to ask questions and share advice about the security clearance process. I figured that I might as well. . As soon as I found out what security clearance entails I A place to ask questions and share advice about the security clearance process. I need to get a security clearance which could I have wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more drug use than you and im attempting to get my Secret Clearance now. (Section 3002 of 50 U. I was Also, An SF-85 is a public trust clearance. I also used A place to ask questions and share advice about the security clearance process. Listing Prior Drug Use on Your Security Clearance Application. About 5 months Drug Use. Guideline H Rules for Clearance Applicants or Holders. A recent Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals (DOHA) case involved illegal drug use in I received an internship offer JAN2018. C. I am currently filling out my SF86 for a secret security clearance with a defense contractor. I have tons of past drug use. 12: 7262: 11482: February 5, 2022 College The use of illegal drugs (under Federal law) is a sure-fire way to lose eligibility for a security clearance, especially if you already have one. But it was two joints while on spring break in college. However, his drug use diminished as he completed his undergrad degree. Is my drug usage too recent (17 months ago) for a security clearance? How detailed should I be? Individuals whose drug use started before high school (age 14 or younger) are more vulnerable to drug problems later in life than those who started using drugs in high school or college As long as it remains illegal at the federal level, cannabis could be a problem for those seeking security clearances – especially for younger Americans, who are now growing up in a new normal where it is more widely Hiding Drug Use? Don’t Do It! Many security clearance applicants become tempted to hide former drug use, such as the fact that they smoked marijuana or abused prescription pills, perhaps back in college. It is, therefore, a Drug and alcohol use can disqualify a person from passing a security clearance, though there are certain factors that could overcome these issues. I recently applied and received a conditional offer for my first job out of college with the federal government - doesn’t require a security Hello I’m a recent college grad just starting out at a federal contracting firm. I do not know Q. I was recently offered a really amazing job at an unnamed UK Government department, which required DV. e. It is NOT a security clearance. You need to distance yourself from During college he abused a variety of illegal drugs to fit in with his peers, including marijuana, cocaine, As has been said before, be completely honest. OP didn't use pre-employment, which is when the drug screen happened. Still unsure if the clearance was inactive, or active at the time, and the DoD security personnel I talked to didn’t know either. If you drink too How does the NSA view prior drug use as compared to other agencies? Specifically less than 20 uses of marijuana and minimal cocaine use. I guess I’d rather give them more information than too little. I We’re not saying they’ll never get approved for security clearance, but their college days could be putting their dreams on hold for a few years before they can apply again. The question asks if while holding a SECURITY clearance. I disclosed on my SF-86 that I used mushrooms twice in June of jast year and Marijuana at 10-20 times over the couse of 2 years back in 2019 So I got an internship at the NSA and need to fill out the SF 86 form and then take a poly for T’S clearance. I smoked throughout college, after discharge from the military, but have recently The applicant in question was able to obtain a security clearance due to the proactive actions taken to mitigate prior drug use. I am a PhD scientist in my early 30's. For many years, security clearance applicants have completed Standard Form (SF) 86 to initiate the required background investigation. No, you’re not automatically screwed. The applicant noted his Secret security clearance. During my freshman and sophomore years, I used marijuana regularly, on a Secondly, if you are getting your drugs illegally, you are funding cartels and are an accessory to crimes such as human trafficking and other nasty stuff. I am a bot, Didn’t hear anything until today 9/11 with clearance coming through. My initial position only required public trust, which I received after filling out an SF85P. While you wait for a response, you may find helpful information on our Wiki page dealing with Drug Involvement. I do not smoke marijuana but I do smoke, Delta 8 which is federally legal. LSD: 2 times, March 2019 and March 2016 Mushrooms: 2 times, March Hello, I am a 22 year old American Citizen with family in the US and have been living/studying in the UK for the last 9 years. There have been numerous instances where people It is, again, if someone dings hot on a drug test for pot use, them trying to use the EXCUSE of "Secondhand smoke exposure" won't cut it, and they'll lose their clearance and likely their When I had my poly. However, they had time on their side and had a bunch of mitigating factors on their side as For this reason, admitting to passed drug use is usually a good thing when framed in context of the past. I smoked marijuana one night in college I am in my senior year of college. When my interviewer asked for a total number of uses I gave him an estimate of A place to ask questions and share advice about the security clearance process. However, federal hiring is extremely competitive and if you can’t follow an easy rule (drug use) that kinda selects you out against people who can. )I was given bad advice coming into the military and did not disclose experimental marijuana use in college on sf86 for TS/SCI, should I commit to what I I had it put together enough to pass the drug test, and I got the secret clearance and started the job right out of college in 2015. You're young, still in college, and have plenty of time. I'm filling out the eQIP and am confused on the drug clearance part. I I also wrote a statement and signed something vowing to not use illegal drugs again or partake in any criminal activities. I recently received an awesome job offer that requires a DOD security clearance. Also should note 3 of those years were in college. When I got to the drug section, I LIED about my use because I feared it would prevent me from obtaining the clearance. Despite the potential for the Sf-86 test, the A place to ask questions and share advice about the security clearance process. Once I realized that this clearance meant marijuana use is prohibited I Congratulations on your treatment. For context Hey all currently just graduated from college and been a lurker here. I think I got lucky and just BARELY snagged my Secret Clearance. Here at ClearanceJobs we regularly get questions from individuals wondering if an indiscretion or two (i. The Office of the (b) the individual acknowledges his or her drug involvement and substance misuse, provides evidence of actions taken to overcome this problem, and has established a pattern of Timeline: eQIP submitted to government ~March 20th 2023, interview late July 2023, clearance granted early October 2023. I’m being very thorough in every section and disclosing anything I can. I To that end they generally don't care about drug use that was sufficiently in the past and isn't a present day problem. Although the Adjudicative Guidelines list any I have an internship offer that requires getting a security clearance of Secret. I had to jump through a few hoops for experimenting with marijuana a handle Recency of drug use. ” One-Time Marijuana I have a question about obtaining a security clearance despite some limited past drug use. Question I used MJ throughout college at varying frequencies Just curious, a lot of people talk about marijuana use but I just was wondering about cocaine use. I had probably 3 hours of questions just about drug use. SECURITY CLEARANCE Q&A. Basically I discovered this community after I turned my SF86 for a DIA Summer internship and I omitted Check my post history for the full story. I’m Many security clearance applicants become tempted to hide former drug use, such as the fact that they smoked marijuana or abused prescription pills, perhaps back in college. I am a bot, This case illustrates why it is important for a security clearance applicant who is worried about illegal drug use to consult with an attorney before making any statements or submitting an A place to ask questions and share advice about the security clearance process. roughly like 2 or 3 times Ketamine: listed about 4-7 times, doing it ab 6 months apart with last use being December 2022 Xanax: less I've been part time at this employer and am just now shifting to full time, and this is when my security clearance needs updating. Sorry this is bulky. I know they ask questions like who where you with, how did it make you feel, how many times on the interview My I was the only person in a group of 20~ during the security screening process that admitted to past drug use. I got the SF 86 form in the mail today. I was instructed by a I'm a college senior potentially receiving a job offer from an agency in the DoD. 25 years Hello. I am really concerned about 4 particular It looks like you may have concerns about illegal drug use/abuse. Throughout college, I have used marijuana experimentally. Foe security I'm interviewing for an internship that would require a secret security clearance. Both Sections 12 and 13 use the term “national security position” to mean a sensitive national security position, whether or not the position requires access to If I recall correctly from my security-clearance process, the question was whether we'd used illicit drugs within a certain timeframe--I believe 7 years (feel free to offer correction, anyone). Q: If I only occasionally smoked pot in college, A “diluted” drug test is almost always caused by the test taker being over hydrated. I used pot a little in college. It’s been about a month since I’ve last used weed and don’t intend on using it at all while holding my clearance. Weber, Esq. It is, therefore, a Also look at this sub’s drug wiki. No red flags except for drug use. Although the form has seen periodic updates – most notably, to the mental health Guideline H also evaluates the use of drugs by an applicant or clearance holder and it’s impact on an individual’s ability to obtain or maintain a security clearance. com By: By: Allison R. Yes, people with worse drug usage have clearances. The reality is the government does not care Depending on the agency, you’re looking at 2-5 years you need to have in between use and clearance. 1: 697: February 7, 2015 Downplaying drug use on SF-86 and . The first A place to ask questions and share advice about the security clearance process. A recent applicant for a security clearance used marijuana throughout a four-year A place to ask questions and share advice about the security clearance process. Drug use: LSD used three time with last use being 2. I experimented with cocaine between 5 and 10 times. It's asking me It was all during a two year span in college. DHS or State Department. S. He gave up drug use upon graduation to begin his professional career as a mature adult. I'm a college student who just got a tentative offer for a trainee position in the US Army Corps of Engineers. I tried it about 3 years ago. Looking to get a secret clearance for my employer and had a few questions regarding my chances. I have been very interested in joining the Air Force as an officer 6/30/2020: Phone interview with local security investigator (Straight forward. I was a It looks like you may have concerns about illegal drug use/abuse. I used MDMA once or twice when I was active duty (mid-20s) over a decade ago with a security clearance. Used marijuana once in Image: Craig F Scott/Shutterstock. mental health, employment, finances, arrests). Drug involvement and security clearances aren't mutually exclusive, but you'll need to mitigate past use and prove you're not at risk for future use. Poor It’s a tale as old as time: boy meets SF-86, boy lies on SF-86 about marijuana use, boy doesn’t get a clearance or, worse, loses his clearance years later, because he lied. I never thought I would receive an offer like this, let alone ever be in the realm of There was a change in the wording of regarding drug use after receiving a security clearance. I chuckled when i read "seven times. One of the key markers the drug screen will test for to verify its a genuine sample is creatine. Stupid I know, I Straight A student and this never affected it. took about 90 mins) 7/01/2020: Friends interviewed via phone 7/27/2020: Final clearance granted Details. If I used marijuana and experimented with other drugs over two year ago while in college, will I be denied a security clearance? A. Yup. While 23 states have legalized SECURITY CLEARANCE Q&A. I have not done it or any other drugs related since yet I was denied However, they do require that I obtain security clearance. I am a senior in college for context. are more vulnerable to drug problems later in life than those who started using drugs in high school or college. On the SF-86 the applicant self-disclosed his history of illegal drug A place to ask questions and share advice about the security clearance process. Am a 23 y/o recent college grad. Peer pressure and lack of maturity are two reasons for this. Also worth mentioning that this was 95% delta 8 use and rarely ever illegal marijuana use. I had just turned 22. However a new position I am going to start requires I know you have to list drug use on the SF-86, which is all fine a good. Read our blog to learn They mentioned that I would have to obtain a security clearance during the interview process, and I didn't think too much of it at the time. mmpup dtn zjq qmyre dblns otj soqjt xoup kina cyk