Summary
A 21-year-old part-time employee of a Department of Defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The denial stemmed from a history of illegal drug use, including marijuana and other substances, and a failure to demonstrate a commitment to abstain from future drug use.
The applicant began using marijuana in 2005, smoking it approximately six times during high school. Usage increased during his first two years of college, occurring two to eight times monthly. His last marijuana use was in November 2010, after completing his e-QIP and advising an investigator in May 2010 that he intended to abstain. While in college, he also experimented with other drugs, including hallucinogenic mushrooms once in October 2009, ecstasy once in March 2010, Adderall twice (once in 2007 and once in May 2010), and unprescribed prescription pain killers five to seven times in 2009. He was never arrested for drug use, nor did he receive treatment, and his drug use did not affect his grades.
The denial was based on the applicant's admitted illegal drug use, which raised concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness. His last marijuana use occurred less than a year before the decision, undermining his claims of future abstinence. Furthermore, he did not provide sufficient evidence of a commitment to discontinue drug use or to disassociate from drug-using friends.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to using marijuana and other illegal drugs, which raised questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant's last use of marijuana occurred less than a year prior to the decision, undermining his claims of future abstinence.
- The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate a commitment to discontinue drug use or to disassociate from drug-using associates.
Conditions Referenced
- H.25.araisedDrug Abuse
- H.25.craisedIllegal Drug Possession
- H.25.hraisedIntent to Continue Illegal Drug Use
- E.16.draisedCredible Adverse Information
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 8, 2011
- Answer filedMay 27, 2011Requested decision on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateSep 30, 2011
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Recent Drug Use Under Guideline H
- Failure to Demonstrate Intent to Abstain From Drug Use as a Disqualifying Factor
- Impact of Personal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline E