Thread: Marijuana Usage & Employement

I am 20 and a Senior in college. During high school from ages 15-18, i used marijuana occasionaly. But, over those three years, occasially adds up. I probably used about 40-50 times, which is a high number. However, all of this took place before by 18th B-day and only two months after. Since then and all through college, i havent touch it or any other drug for that matter. Will this disqualify me from the FBI, DEA and such so will being honest outweigh previous mistakes? Any advice is appreciated.

FBI Drug Use Policy

*Have you used marijuana at all within the last three years?

*Have you used marijuana more than a total of 15 times in your life?

*Have you used any other illegal drug (including anabolic steroids after February 27, 1991) at all in the past 10 years?

*Have you used any other illegal drug (including anabolic steroids after February 27, 1991) more than a total of five times in your life?

*Have you ever sold any illegal drug for profit?

*Have you ever used an illegal drug (no matter how many times or how long ago)while in a law enforcement or prosecutorial position, or in a position which carries with it a high level of responsibility or public trust?

I know what the FBI's drug policy is. I was just wondering if that was to deter people who werent serious about it and if in reality candidates are judged on an individual basis. I have also found on the FBI's website that the word changes from "will" to "can" with regards to MJ usage disqualification.

According to the FBI Drug Policy, I am afraid that the answer if Yes. It will DQ you with the FBI because you used over 15 times.

DEA is a tough call. I was DQ'd for Drug Usage and I've only used 6 times total in my life. I think what did me in was that the last time I used I was 27ish.

Other agencies may have similar, or different, policies. My best advice is to wait a couple of more years before applying anywhere. Put as much "space" between your last drug usage and the time you apply. And while its common sense, do not....I repeat...DO NOT do anything stupid that could jeopardize you chances. I'm not just talking about drug usage.But going out to the bars...having too good of a time...and getted busted for a DUI or PI. Don't drive 40 mph in a school zone and risk getting a ticket. Don't hang out with individuals whose characters are questionable. Ect..ect...ect.. you get the point. Bottom line, walk a straight clean line.

Take care and best of luck to you.

Originally Posted by SoxMan84

I know what the FBI's drug policy is. I was just wondering if that was to deter people who werent serious about it and if in reality candidates are judged on an individual basis. I have also found on the FBI's website that the word changes from "will" to "can" with regards to MJ usage disqualification.

From what I've learned from personal experience (and reading about the experiences of others on the board) Fed LE agencies are pretty strict about certain things. Drugs is one of them.

However, if you what to be absolutely sure you might what to give your local recruiter a call and see what they have to say. The FBI will talk openly about their drug policy. Some other agencies will not.

Originally Posted by SoxMan84

I know what the FBI's drug policy is. I was just wondering if that was to deter people who werent serious about it and if in reality candidates are judged on an individual basis. I have also found on the FBI's website that the word changes from "will" to "can" with regards to MJ usage disqualification.

I don’t think you can play the semantic game with this policy. My impression of this policy is exactly what Jose is saying…that answering YES to any of those questions above will result in an automatic disqualification.

I wish you the best of luck overcoming this obstacle…stay out of trouble.

1811rBust

Dear SoxMan84,

You should read the recent audit by the OIG of the DOJ: The FBI's Efforts to Hire, Train, and Retain Intelligence Analysts (http://www.usdoj.gov/oig/reports/FBI/a0520/final.pdf). I cannot recall if you said you were thinking of an IA position, but presumably the hiring criteria are the same throughout the FBI. Regarding the FBI's hiring process and drug policy, the audit states: "Applicants answer screening questions about their background such as their use of illegal drugs. If an applicant answers inappropriately, such as admitting to using hard drugs more than a certain number of times, the application process stops and the applicant is told that they are not qualified" (p. 25).

If you have seen the online application for the FBI, the drug questions are all yes/no. Since last year, the FBI has been using an automated system for screening applications. I suspect "yes" answers to any/all of the drug questions are an automatic stop. If one were to lie, then the truth would come out in the BI if not the poly--in which case one is definitely out (drugs and deception). But talk with a recruiter and let them know where you are coming from.

Yours,
Travis

These agencies are more aligned with "experimentation" versus usage. They will overlook the experimenter, but there are too many highly qualified candidates to hire users, former or not. DM

Originally Posted by SoxMan84

I am 20 and a Senior in college. During high school from ages 15-18, i used marijuana occasionaly. But, over those three years, occasially adds up. I probably used about 40-50 times, which is a high number. However, all of this took place before by 18th B-day and only two months after. Since then and all through college, i havent touch it or any other drug for that matter. Will this disqualify me from the FBI, DEA and such so will being honest outweigh previous mistakes? Any advice is appreciated.

It will disqualify you. Some people try to cheat their way out of this question, but they are caught in the polygraph.