Drugs and Security Clearance Trends

Legalized marijuana use at the state level (either recreationally or medicinally) might be on the rise around the country, but it remains illegal at the federal level and therefore prohibits clearance holders and applicants from using it.

That doesn't mean past use is an automatic disqualifier like it used to be. While drug policies are ever changing, security clearance policies are not. The government has taken steps in recent years to ensure prior drug use doesn't prohibit a national security career, but individual transparency is critical. 

Drugs and Security Clearance Trends rolls up the key facts around drug use and security clearances. Learn about current and potential future policies, and read four case studies of actual appeals cases that revolved around drug use.