Summary
A 29-year-old engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline H (Drug Involvement) and Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The Statement of Reasons detailed extensive illegal drug use, including purchasing and using marijuana from approximately May 2011 to July 2017, LSD from 2015 to 2016, and psilocybin mushrooms and other hallucinogens from August 2014 to 2017. Additionally, the applicant purchased and used cocaine and MDA on at least one occasion in July 2014.
The applicant was also evaluated by a licensed psychologist and diagnosed with major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, cannabis use disorder, and other hallucinogenic use disorder. These conditions raised disqualifying concerns, specifically DC ¶ 25(a), DC ¶ 25(c), DC ¶ 25(g), DC ¶ 27(b), DC ¶ 27(c), and DC ¶ 27(d).
The denial was based on the applicant's admitted history of multiple illegal drug uses over several years and the diagnosed mental health and substance use disorders, which were found to impair judgment and reliability. Furthermore, the applicant did not provide evidence of adherence to recommended mental health treatment or counseling.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple instances of illegal drug use over several years, including marijuana, LSD, and cocaine.
- The applicant was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and other substance use disorders, which were deemed to impair his judgment and reliability.
- The applicant failed to provide evidence of following through with recommended mental health treatment or counseling.
Conditions referenced
- DC ¶ 25(a)appliedAny Substance Misuse
- DC ¶ 25(c)appliedIllegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
- DC ¶ 25(g)appliedExpressed Intent to Continue Drug Involvement
- DC ¶ 27(b)appliedOpinion by a Qualified Mental Health Professional
- DC ¶ 27(c)notedVoluntary or Involuntary Hospitalization
- DC ¶ 27(d)appliedFailure to Follow a Prescribed Treatment Plan
Key rule quoted
“Eligibility for access to classified information may only be granted upon a finding that it is clearly consistent with the national interest to do so.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMay 1, 2020
- Answer filedOct 25, 2021Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—Decision based on written record.
- Decision dateNov 28, 2022
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Importance of Following Mental Health Treatment Recommendations for Clearance Eligibility