Three Security Clearance Applicants All Denied for Marijuana Use

Three security clearance applicants were initially denied clearance eligibility by the DoD due to concerns with on-going involvement with marijuana use. They all appealed to the Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals (DOHA). Here are the highlights of the cases.

The first applicant submitted his SF-86 and admitted to using marijuana monthly from 2017 to 2024 and that he intended to keep using it recreationally in the future, if not instructed otherwise. During his appeal he stated “I currently use marijuana occasionally and irregularly, in compliance with [State] laws, and I am confident in my ability to do so in a responsible manner. I understand that marijuana currently remains federally illegal but have not been informed of any specific restrictions on recreational use in my role. If I am officially instructed that such use is not permitted, I will immediately comply and discontinue use as required”.

The second applicant admitted to using marijuana to help manage her anxiety and stress levels almost daily from 2016 to 2025, purchasing it from state-licensed dispensaries. At her appeal she also admitted to knowing that marijuana use was illegal under federal law but continued her use after submitting her SF-86. She stated intent to quit her drug use, however, her cohabitant continues to use marijuana.

The third applicant also admitted to marijuana use on his SF-86, listing he that used it recreationally from 2017 to 2025, and that he intends to continue to use it “sparingly and recreationally” in the future, despite knowing it was not compatible with federal law.

The DOHA Appeal Board has long held that applicants who use marijuana after having been placed on notice of the security significance of such conduct may be lacking in the judgment and reliability expected of those with access to classified information.

Needless to say, all three applicants were denied security clearance eligibility.