I admitted I did MJ on the SF-86 and then on the question asking if I ever purchased it, received, etc., I answered “No” as I was so caught up on purchasing which I never did (it was always a puff or two off a friends). Obviously if someone has done an illegal drug they would’ve had to purchase it or received it. But regardless I realized this error and spoke with the BI regarding it. I’m going to explain the same thing to the Polygrapher. Will they have it out for me during the exam once I admit this?
in all likelihood, they’ll probably just ask why your answers contradict each other. Then you can explain.
You did the right thing by raising it with the investigator, and the same approach works with the polygrapher: say plainly what happened and why the answer was wrong.
The question asks whether you ever purchased, received, or were otherwise given the drug, not only whether you bought it. A puff or two from a friend’s supply counts as receiving it, so “No” was inaccurate, even though you were focused on purchasing and did not mean to mislead anyone. Explain exactly that: you read it as being about buying, realized afterward that sharing counts, and corrected it once you noticed.
Some practical points:
- Describe the real pattern: how many times, roughly when, who supplied it, and that you never bought any.
- Do not minimize or add detail you are unsure of. If you cannot remember something, say so.
- Keep your account the same in every setting.
- Ask your security officer whether the written form should be formally corrected so it matches what you told the investigator.
A prompt, voluntary correction reads very differently from something found later. Stay calm, answer directly, and do not guess about how it will be weighed.