Will the CIA or FBI disqualify me for just 2 time drug use?

Question

I am in the process of applying for an internship with the CIA & the FBI. Thing is I read that prior drug use is not tolerated and some other stuff. And I also have heard that they will evaluate your drug use and see if it is "benign." I will hav to take a polygraph and these guys are obviously the best at what they do so i am not going to lie. I have smoked weed twice in my life in high school my sophmore yr which was 3 yrs ago. Havent done any illegal substance before or after that. But am i disqualified anyways? On another note i speak one of their key dialects which they are looking for, which is urdu and am Muslim myself so already understand the culture and the problems we are facing abroad. Will this help me oe hurt me?

Answer 1

You should be fine.  I applied to the CIA in the 1980s and also had smoked marijuana before.  I was approved through to the next application levels.  What the recruiter wanted to know was the frequency of use, length of use, and how long since the last use.  Of course they are also interested in whether you've ever used narcotics, multiple types of drugs, etc., rather than just minor marijuana use.  Smoking pot 2 times 3 years ago is not a big deal.  Put it down to teenage experimentation.

Definitely don't lie about absolutely anything during the polygraph.

The CIA is desperate for people with your language skills and cultural background.  Thank you for serving.

Answer 2

Just be honest and don't qualify anything.

Have you ever smoked? Yes

When was the last time? 3 years

Be honest, they actually tolerate a good amount of drug use, at least at the FBI, as long as it is not detrimental/habitual/excessive, and you don't lie.

Answer 3

WHY THE HECK are u SMOKing weed in the fist place dang man u know they are doing hair samples now and the stuff you smoked 3 years ago the evidence is still in ur hair trust me they did that to me and i got kicked out of school :(

Answer 4

Yes...