Dear Molly,
I would love to join CIA, but I’ve done illegal drugs in the past. Is there any path forward for me at CIA?
~ Eager to Serve
* * * * *
Quick note from Molly: Hi everyone! I originally answered this question in 2020, but in light of new guidance, I’m re-releasing the updated response below.
Dear Eager to Serve,
Let me be clear on this from the get-go: having previously used illegal drugs does not immediately disqualify you from working at CIA. If working for CIA is your life’s goal – and we certainly hope it is – there could be a path for you here. With that said, there are certain restrictions that you should be aware of, especially if you’ve used illegal drugs within the past year.
CIA is a drug-free workplace and carefully evaluates drug use during the hiring process. CIA is bound by federal law, which prohibits CIA from granting security clearances to unlawful users of controlled substances, including marijuana. To be eligible for CIA employment, applicants must not have used marijuana, defined as a product containing more than 0.3% THC, within 90 days of submitting their application, and any time thereafter. CIA’s employment guidelines also require that applicants do not use any other illegal drugs or misuse prescription medications within 12 months of submitting their application, and any time thereafter. Accurate and consistent reporting of any previous unlawful drug use is expected through each phase of processing.
Now you may be wondering: That’s all fine Molly, but I live in a state where marijuana use was legalized under state law, so would any of this really apply in my case? The short answer is yes. Marijuana remains an illegal controlled substance under federal law and state laws do not supersede those of the federal government.
No matter your history with drug use, the key is to exercise candor throughout the application process and your employment. Trustworthiness and honesty are two traits that CIA strongly values, and for good reason. CIA has a very specialized mission with very serious stakes and life-threatening consequences. CIA needs to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that it can trust the members of its workforce. If an applicant were to be dishonest about their drug use in the application process, even out of fear of rejection, it may indicate that the applicant doesn’t exhibit candor and can be used as a measure of their fitness to hold a security clearance.
For more information regarding the federal government’s use of the whole person concept and criteria for conditions that could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying in a security clearance determination such as, but not limited to, illegal use of controlled substances, personal conduct, criminal conduct, and alcohol consumption, you can check out the SEAD 4 National Security Adjudicative Guidelines.
Keep the 90-day/12-month guidance in mind as you consider submitting an application, and remember to be truthful and forthcoming throughout the application process. The rest will fall into place.
~ Molly