Concerns about past marijuana use

I applied to the academy last year and was ultimately denied admission. At the time, I had never used marijuana or any drugs for that matter and so when asked about it on the DoDMERB I truthfully answered no. However, during the summer, I occasionally used marijuana with some friends(Less than once a week, I realize this is beyond just experimenting). I was 18 and live in a state that has decriminalized marijuana and so I didn't see much wrong trying it for a summer as it seemed no worse than speeding. I never distributed and was never really in possession either as my friends would usually just share what they had. There is no record of this (police arrests, etc) but I am still planning to disclose everything if asked about it. I later found out there are still federal laws preventing the use of marijuana and after doing some browsing on this forum, realized how great of a mistake I had made and immediately stopped, having no plans to ever pick it up again.

How are my chances now reapplying this year? Will the academy admissions take into account the laxer laws of my state? I am currently attending a university that has quite the reputation of having drugs available, specifically marijuana, and if I keep clean while here will this help my case?

I also recall that my DoDMERB is valid for 2 years and when I looked at the form that I had to submit again this year(I think it's name was something along the lines of present health) there was nothing about any drug use between my exam and now. How would I best disclose this new information? I regret my decision and to be honest hate myself for it but I have learned from it and I am ready to face the consequences.

IMO, honesty is the best policy. While the DoDMERB form may not mention drug use, if you get an appointment you will need to go through a security clearance background check. If you say you didn't use on it and you pop positive on a drug test (THC lasts quite a while in the system), then you're ass is proverbial grass. Also, if you say you didn't and someone who is being interviewed about you says you did, again, you're out.

If asked, be honest. If not asked...don't worry, because you will be asked. Better to be up front and let the chips fall than try to cover it up and be caught a liar. That is the quickest way to be shown the door.

Let this be a lesson...military regulations for all the services prohibit the use of marijuana, regardless if the state says it's legal. Spread the word and stay clean!

I was also reading in the Air Force Academy forums that they provide another questionnaire when cadets arrive asking about drug use and allow cadets to come clean at that time. Does the Coast Guard Academy do something similar and would it be wise to answer then? I haven't lied about anything yet and I don't plan to but I don't want it to seem like I am trying to hide information from them.

bart said:

I was also reading in the Air Force Academy forums that they provide another questionnaire when cadets arrive asking about drug use and allow cadets to come clean at that time. Does the Coast Guard Academy do something similar and would it be wise to answer then? I haven't lied about anything yet and I don't plan to but I don't want it to seem like I am trying to hide information from them.

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I'd be surprised if the Coast Guard didn't have that on their form, but I don't actually know one way or the other. In any case, whenever you are asked about drug use you should come clean each and every time. And all answers should agree. Easiest way to give the same answer every time is to tell the truth. Good luck!

Pretty dumb move. You're an adult and there's no excuse at this point in your life for such short sightedness.

I am not familiar with Colorado's new law on pot but in Washington it was still illegal if you were only 18.

I just looked it up. Colorado is only legal if 21 or older also.

Not even considering how recent your use was, you did so AFTER applying to a school that produces federal law enforcement officers who combat drug smuggling. You used even after knowing that service academies ban drug use. You used even after completing the application process and going through the DODMERB process.

If there were ever good reasons to reject someone (again), your poor choices are right up with with them.

LineInTheSand said:

Not even considering how recent your use was, you did so AFTER applying to a school that produces federal law enforcement officers who combat drug smuggling.

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I was thinking the same thing. A service that had a Senior Chief killed by marijuana smugglers less then a year ago might not be so understanding or forgiving of drug use by an applicant.