Path forward after prior omissions

SECURITY CLEARANCE Q&A
1

I am now aware I omitted minor drug use (took CBD-THC edibles in 2020) from a previous public trust sf85p in 2021 and a previous sf86 for a clearance I filled out in 2024 (investigation for was never finished/cancelled due to hiring freeze, I’ve never held a clearance).

I realized my omission after deciding to apply to a new federal job that has top secret/poly and after reading Reddit (terrifying) and watching pre screening security clearance videos, I understand the edible I took 6 years ago counts as reportable on that form.I plan on disclosing the use and omission on my new sf86 with a statement, pending a conditional offer, but I am considering withdrawing from the process and then somehow try to contact the agency from 2024 to disclose so I maybe have hope in the future for a clearance? Or do I just admit the drug use/omission on this current one and hope for the best?

2

Just be forthcoming about it and be prepared to have an explanation for the admission. You’re 6 years removed from the drug use, so the omission is likely to be more of an issue than the drug use itself. Separately, I wouldn’t worry too much about Reddit. It’s predominately contractor background investigators who only work secret clearances with a stick up their butts.

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