Hard for me to remember marijuana use

SECURITY CLEARANCE Q&A
1

So, I made a post recently about marijuana use. I think I can count the number of times on one hand that I smoked pot in the last seven years. I wrote down “ very rarely and very infrequently” trying to make it clear that it almost never happened. I couldn’t in the section say how many times it happened. I could only say that it happened I think last year, going 13 months ago. I cant say if it was 4 times in 10 years, or 3 times. I know the section asked to clarify, I just really cant for everyone. I mean it when I say that its hard to quantify exactly. I know I should have put that in, I just didnt and I said it was very rare and I have abstained for over a year.

Was this a mistake or did I do the right thing, I tried to be as honest as I could. I just couldnt quantify how often, because it was almost never an occurance. Yes, I am nervous and hope I get my interim clearance.

2

It’s intentionally vague on the form. 1 year is usually enough to mitigate but repeated use can affect that (esp if used while holding a clearance). If it is an issue, the BI will ask you at the interview and you will get your chance to explain it to death. Why should us blog readers be the only one to benefit from your lovely, detailed essays about not remembering your drug use?

3

I never used when holding my prior clearance. I made that clear in the sf 86. That’s probably a mitigating factor also

4

It will at least save you from having to answer ‘yes’ on the question about illegal drug use while holding a security clearance.

5

Like I said, never used with a clearance. Good way to endanger your career

6

I know this is no laughing matter for the OP… but ya gotta love that title :zany_face: