Past marijuana use won't automatically disqualify Biden White House staff

[DonViejo]

Though pot use is legal in a growing number of cities and states, it's still illegal under federal law and is therefore a potentially disqualifying factor in obtaining security clearances.

Feb. 26, 2021, 10:00 AM EST
By Mike Memoli

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is issuing new guidelines Friday meant to address an unexpected hurdle it faced as it aimed to quickly fill key White House positions: recreational marijuana use.

Though marijuana use is legal in a growing number of cities and states, it's still illegal under federal law and is therefore a potentially disqualifying factor in obtaining security clearances. Transition officials quickly identified recreational marijuana use as a potential hurdle for applicants, especially younger ones, in meeting that requirement.

After what one official described as “intensive consultation with security officials” and the Personnel Security Division, the White House will now, on a case-by-case basis, waive a requirement that potential appointees in the Executive Office of the President (EOP) be eligible for a “Top Secret” clearance. Officials said a waiver would only be granted to those who have used marijuana on a “limited” basis and who are in positions that don’t ultimately require a security clearance.

A White House official emphasized that the policy applies only to marijuana use. And even under the new policy, some appointees would still not be granted a waiver given the extent of their acknowledged marijuana use.

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https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/joe-biden/past-marijuana-use-won-t-automatically-disqualify-biden-white-house-n1258917

[Wounded Bear]

1. Slowly getting there...nt

[aikoaiko]

2. I know for a fact that hard drug use in past can already be waived for Top Secret clearance.

Don't ask me how I know.


But it is good to make it policy that smoking a little weed in the past does not disqualify.

[NutmegYankee]

3. I know someone who came clean after heavy drug use and got a TS clearance.

The key is they must have stopped, and are openly honest about past use. In this case, the guy became a committed Christian and reformed his life.

[aikoaiko]

5. Yes, they have to have stopped and drugs tests to verify (at least in some cases)

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

4. What about the cactus? The mushroom? The blotter?

Oh, well, I'll just continue to support them from the outside. No clearance for me.