As reports circulate that the White House may reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, many clearance holders are wondering what this potential change means for them. This week’s update offers a reality check: a change in classification does not automatically make marijuana legal for recreational use—or permissible for those holding a security clearance.
Rescheduling marijuana would place it in the same category as drugs like ketamine, which can be used legally only under a doctor’s supervision and with a prescription. Even then, the distinction matters. Marijuana is currently illegal under federal law, and federal rules—not state laws—govern clearance eligibility. Despite widespread legalization at the state level, federal policy has not changed.
Clearance holders should not assume a Schedule III designation gives them a green light. Even if marijuana becomes more accessible for therapeutic use in the future, agency- and employer-specific policies may still prohibit its use for service members, federal employees, and contractors supporting certain missions or workplaces.
The key message remains consistent: be cautious. A reclassification would reflect shifting cultural norms and ongoing conversations around medical use, but it would not override the federal standards that apply to cleared professionals. Using marijuana—even with a prescription—without fully understanding your agency’s policies could still jeopardize your clearance.
For those navigating this evolving landscape, staying informed is critical. ClearanceJobs continues to track developments around drug policy and clearance eligibility, including in its latest white paper focused on drugs and the security clearance process.
This potential change isn’t a “holiday gift” for clearance holders—it’s another reminder that when it comes to national security and trust, the rules move more slowly than public opinion. Check out our December whitepaper, “Drug Use in the Trusted Workforce,” for more insights.
