# What’s my risk level

**URL:** <https://discuss.clearancejobsblog.com/t/what-s-my-risk-level/22191>\
**Category:** SECURITY CLEARANCE Q&A\
**Created:** [September 11, 2026, 9:55am UTC](https://discuss.clearancejobsblog.com/t/what-s-my-risk-level/22191 "2026-09-11T09:55:33Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Roses1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e274bd/32.png) [@Roses1](https://discuss.clearancejobsblog.com/u/Roses1)\
**Post date:** [September 11, 2026, 9:55am UTC](https://discuss.clearancejobsblog.com/t/what-s-my-risk-level/22191/1 "2026-09-11T09:55:33Z")

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I’m 30 and was a frequent marijuana user until my mid/late 20s with usage decreasing by the year. I’ve indulged here and there with my most recent use being late August at a friend’s BBQ. I have no other blemishes with my background and am wanting to accept a communications role for a DoD-related contract that doesn’t have much sensitive info but seems to require a Public Trust suitability pass. Does my marijuana history make resigning from my current role for this new job too risky? I have no intent to use and have been committed to not smoking as I’m thinking of starting a family and just maturing in general.

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**Author:** ![sbusquirrel](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discuss.clearancejobsblog.com/sbusquirrel/32/34_2.png) [@sbusquirrel](https://discuss.clearancejobsblog.com/u/sbusquirrel)\
**Post date:** [September 11, 2026, 11:18am UTC](https://discuss.clearancejobsblog.com/t/what-s-my-risk-level/22191/2 "2026-09-11T11:18:19Z")

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This is an interesting case because the policy on infrequent use seems to have relaxed quite a bit. However, you do admit there was a time when your use wasn’t quite so infrequent, shall we say. I wonder how they treat this now? I should add that I have no personal experience with “public trust” and only a small handful of second hand stories.

One point needs clarifying: are you able to start the new job (the one requiring Public Trust) before the investigation completes? That suggests a lower level of PT, and possibly even less “risk” as you put it. But let’s see if anyone with actual knowledge 🤔 chimes in