As the push for marijuana reform gets bipartisan support from lawmakers, drugs continue to be a common question for security clearance applicants. We won’t hold our breath for the federal government to legalize some of these substances, so as a clearance holder, federally illegal drug use is off limits.
With over 5 million people holding a security clearance, it’s safe to say that they all don’t have a squeaky-clean record and didn’t partake in some party favors.
We know that people have proved their case in the past, so mitigation is on the table, but how much time is enough time passed for LSD use?
Is 3 Years Enough Time Passed for LSD?
Had some very infrequent LSD use in the past. Over 3 years ago. Don’t associate with the people anymore (moved and got married). Do you think 3 years is enough time to mitigate?
Mitigation Factors
Here is the drug information that adjudicators care most about:
- The types of drugs that were used.
- How often or the frequency of your drug use. How many times is infrequent?
- How recent you engaged in drug use or with people that associate with drugs. The current policy for certain agencies and marijuana is one year.
- Other special circumstances of the drug use (i.e., were you at a school?)
- The effects the drug use had on you or the aftermath (i.e., mental health deteriorated, you lost your job, finances derailed, you were arrested, etc.).
There are many threads on LSD use to sift through at ClearanceJobsBlog.com. Some where you can see that a security clearance was granted or denied. The top two pieces of advice we offer is to be honest about your situation, answer the questions asked of you truthfully, and to be a realist when it comes to managing your expectations.
If micro dosing is the only roadblock in this person’s past, the whole person concept is certainly on their side. With the infrequent use, 3 years passed the drug use, no association with those persons and a changed lifestyle, I’d say it’s likely that they could obtain a security clearance or appeal a decision if they are denied. We’ve seen an applicant that used LSD two years prior obtain access – the main theme to prior drug use is how likely an individual is to get spaced out again… it seems the original poster’s tripping daze are over.
