Summary
A 30-year-old program manager was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant admitted to marijuana use from approximately 2013 to August 2020, including in June and August 2020, after submitting her security clearance application on May 16, 2020. Additionally, in August 2018, the applicant was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), and a chemical dependency professional diagnosed her with alcohol abuse in September 2018.
While mitigating factors were applied for the alcohol consumption concerns, the judge found that the applicant failed to mitigate the drug-related issues. Disqualifying conditions were raised under AG ¶ 25(a), AG ¶ 25(c), AG ¶ 22(a), AG ¶ 22(c), and AG ¶ 22(d), with mitigating conditions applied under AG ¶ 23(a), AG ¶ 26(a), and AG ¶ 26(b).
The denial was based on the applicant's admission of marijuana use after submitting her application and after becoming aware of federal rules against such use. Further concerns were raised because the applicant's spouse continues to use marijuana, indicating potential future exposure. Consequently, the applicant was denied eligibility for access to classified information.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant admitted to using marijuana after submitting her security clearance application.
- The applicant's most recent marijuana use occurred after she was aware of federal rules against marijuana use.
- The applicant's spouse continues to use marijuana, raising concerns about future exposure.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedSubstance Misuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedBinge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 22(d)raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder
- AG ¶ 23(a)appliedTime Passed Since Alcohol-related Incident
- AG ¶ 26(a)rejectedBehavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's marijuana use occurred after she was aware of its security significance.
- AG ¶ 26(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Drug InvolvementThe applicant's admissions were undermined by her continued marijuana use.
Key rule quoted
“An applicant who uses marijuana after having been placed on notice of its security significance... may be lacking in the qualities expected of those with access to national secrets.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMay 21, 2021
- Answer filedMay 25, 2021
- Hearing heldAug 26, 2021via video teleconference
- Decision dateOct 15, 2021
Cite for
- Failure to Mitigate Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Mitigation of Alcohol Consumption Concerns Under Guideline G
- Impact of Continued Substance Use on Security Clearance Eligibility