I adore that this guy had security clearance and I doubt I'd clear that bar. Last time I looked at the interview there was a question:

> have you ever misused drugs?

and I doubt I'd be able to resist the response:

> of course not, I only use drugs properly.

also I wouldn't lie, because that's would undermine the purpose. Still sad I can't apply for SC jobs because I'm extremely patriotic and improving my nation is something that appeals.

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stackghost 7 hours ago | parent | next [-]

FWIW I have held a security clearance during my career, and telling them I smoked weed was not a dealbreaker. What they are ultimately looking for is reasons why you could be coerced into divulging classified information. If you owe money due to drugs/gambling, etc, that's where it becomes a dealbreaker.

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rbanffy 7 hours ago | parent | next [-]

The general rule is not to lie to them, because they will interview all your friends and someone somewhere will rat you out. It’s pointless to try to hide anything during these interviews, and, if you do it, then it’s a dealbreaker.

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jcalx 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

You can see an archived list of industrial security clearance decisions here [0] which is interesting, and occasionally entertaining, reading. "Drug involvement security concerns" usually involve either actively using drugs or, worse, lying to cover up drug use, both of which are viewed as security concerns and grounds for rejection.

[0] https://web.archive.org/web/20170218040331/http://www.dod.mi...

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Quarrelsome 7 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

wait, so I can apply and be honest? Sick! I just poorly misassumed they had classicly archaic interpretations of drugs.

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codezero 6 hours ago | parent | next [-]

I don’t have a clearance so someone can correct me, I believe you still have to have not used drugs in the prior year.

	▲	stackghost 6 hours ago \| parent [-]
		>I don’t have a clearance so someone can correct me Why would you give an answer when by your own statement, you're not knowledgeable? What a strange mindset. >I believe you still have to have not used drugs in the prior year. My own experience does not agree with this speculation.

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volkl48 5 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

Current use is still a problem AFAIK (not sure on weed).

That said I can confirm that a few years back a friend who had previously used/experimented with a wide variety of substances (EDM scene, psychs), had no trouble getting a clearance.

They disclosed all of it, said they weren't currently using it and wouldn't for as long as they were in the job role, passed the drug test, and that was fine.

That said, to add to the "lying is a bad idea" point: I believe some of their references were asked about if they'd ever known that friend to have a dependency + if they were aware of any current/very recent use.

	▲	direwolf20 5 hours ago \| parent [-]
		OC had a point. If you take drugs in the way they are intended to be used, you can say no with a clear conscience. Whether the interviewer will accept that if they later find out you took drugs, I couldn't tell you.

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direwolf20 5 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

You would not get a security clearance, and the admin would make a note on your IQ. The correct answer is simply

> no

and keep the rest of it in your head.