Hi,
I used weed while in a cleared role back in 2020 for a brief time. I left the cleared role in 2020. I did not self report. I rarely even used my access, but still I know I should have self reported then. I know, it was stupid. I haven’t smoked since then.
My clearance is still active somehow (CE?) and I was offered a job where they are now telling me they’d “like to hold my clearance for special projects in the future”. That changes things a bit.
I imagine once I start at the company and they pull in my clearance, I’ll have to do a new SF-86 since it’s been many years since I used the clearance, and I’ll be asked about drug use. I’d want to come clean and admit it. I’m sure that will fire off a bunch things and I’m worried they will revoke my clearance, even though it’s been 5+ years since I smoked anything, particularly because I used while in a cleared role. My record is fine otherwise - no financial issues, no arrests, no problems with the law or life otherwise. I’m hoping whole person concept would be considered but I know using while cleared is a huge red flag. Thoughts?
I’ll never tell you to lie. What age were you when you smoked, and current age. If you were 20…it can be mitigated by 5 years passing, no intent to use moving forward
Late 20s, going through a brutal divorce
Okay that is old enough to know better, but I walked that path myself. Wrongly used my ex’s RX for Prozac. Once I leveled off I wasable to make my own mental health appointment and get an RX. High emotional stress situations, not likely to repeat itself, no intent to use ever again, even in legal states…is a mitigation. I received mercy. I knew I could not possibly get through a poly unless I brought it up to the polygrapher. He designed questions probing veracity, intent etc. I share this openly as I want to help people.
Thanks for sharing your story - how was the process for you? Do you think the weed usage differs significantly from the Prozac ?
Honestly, I was scared to death. Just lost previous job of 7.5 years, dealing with sudden departure of my wife, became a single dad on the spot to boot.
If you believe it was self medicating, as you processed divorce, cost, etc, and you realized it was not who you are.and it was 5 years ago…I can see a decent chance you cleared. Honestly there are many accounts of pretty heavy drug use, but still clearing. Honesty is key. Disclosing it prior to poly turning machine on…is a plus in my mind.
It’s a moot point because it’s discussed briefly in my divorce records , and my ex partner, who I’m sure they’d interview as part of standard BI, would be happy to divulge such info.
Def need report. Looks like in a period of high stress, not likely to repeat. That is a firm mitigation. If you used long before or after said event…could derail you. But as more states approve its use…the fed semi softened its stand…I think it will be acceptable within 10 years. IMHO