TRENDING
March 12, 2020
The FBI has acknowledged that its strict policy barring marijuana use among prospective employees over the past three years is limiting its ability to recruit top talent in cybersecurity. Director James B. Comey recently described the dilemma as the agency seeks to compete with cybercriminals who are not bound by such restrictions.
The bureau’s current regulation disqualifies any applicant who has used marijuana within the last three years, regardless of whether use was legal under state law. Comey has said this requirement is creating a bottleneck in hiring highly skilled computer experts, many of whom have admitted to recent marijuana use.
While Comey has raised the issue publicly and said the FBI is grappling with the consequences of this policy, he has also reaffirmed that no change to the rule is imminent. Some in Congress have expressed concern that the requirement may exclude otherwise qualified candidates and hinder the bureau’s ability to meet its cyber defense goals.
Critics argue the policy is out of step with changing societal and legal norms around marijuana, particularly in states that have legalized its use. They point out that other industries and even other parts of government are considering or implementing more flexible drug policies for cybersecurity roles to widen the pool of eligible applicants.
Supporters of the restriction say that maintaining high standards is vital for positions requiring security clearances and for preserving the integrity of law enforcement agencies. They maintain that drug policies are a necessary safeguard in national security roles.
As cybersecurity threats increase, the FBI is under growing pressure to recruit more experts. However the marijuana ban remains a firm barrier for many candidates. The agency is faced with balancing its drug free hiring requirements with the urgent need for skilled personnel who are willing and able to accept its terms.