Hey all, I’m currently a 2LT in the Army and in the HPSP scholarship program. I recently visited Michigan during a break and went into a marijuana dispensary with a friend. I didn’t buy anything or use marijuana at all, but they did scan my ID when we went in. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but now I’m concerned that just being in the dispensary and having my ID scanned could cause problems for my security clearance down the line. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Is this something that could come up in the future?
Yeah, I think it could be a concern, especially with the zero-tolerance policy on drug use in the military. Even though you didn’t buy or use, the fact that your ID was scanned might raise some red flags during a security clearance investigation.
@Ashton
Do you think it would even show up in the reinvestigation though? Like, would the dispensary even report that you were there?
Harlan said:
@Ashton
Do you think it would even show up in the reinvestigation though? Like, would the dispensary even report that you were there?
I don’t think they would report it, but there’s always a chance it could come up if they dig into your background. Some dispensaries keep track of ID scans, but it’s not something that would automatically get flagged.
I’d say just document what happened. You didn’t buy anything or use marijuana, so you’re probably in the clear. But if it ever comes up in the future, just be transparent about it.
Max said:
I’d say just document what happened. You didn’t buy anything or use marijuana, so you’re probably in the clear. But if it ever comes up in the future, just be transparent about it.
Yeah, that’s what I’m hoping too. Just worried about how it might look on a security clearance review if they ask about it.
I’m in a similar situation. As long as you didn’t engage in anything illegal, I wouldn’t stress too much. Military law is strict, but I think you’re fine as long as you’re upfront if it comes up.
Gael said:
I’m in a similar situation. As long as you didn’t engage in anything illegal, I wouldn’t stress too much. Military law is strict, but I think you’re fine as long as you’re upfront if it comes up.
Thanks for that, it helps to hear someone else’s perspective on it. Hopefully, it doesn’t get flagged during any future checks.
I had a similar thing happen. Nothing came of it for me. I was just honest during the clearance process and explained that I didn’t purchase anything. If you didn’t do anything wrong, it shouldn’t cause any major issues.
@Frankie
Good to know! I’ll definitely be honest if it comes up in the future.
I don’t think just being in the dispensary will affect your security clearance unless there’s something major that they’re looking for. I’d be more worried about what they might find during the clearance review if they go digging into things.
@Amar
Yeah, I’m hoping that won’t be an issue. I’ll just stay on top of things and be prepared if any questions come up about it.