Top Law Schools

Does anyone know how far back the federal government tests for drug use (specifically marijuana)? I know some forms of testing can go back several years. Just wondering if they're testing for current use or extended history.

7 years for DOJ/AUSA. Post-bar drug use is generally considered a deal-breaker.

I don’t think there are tests that can go back years? The longest you can test for according to google is about 90 days.

In any case, the feds ask about use in the last 7 years, and urine test.

nixy wrote:I don’t think there are tests that can go back years? The longest you can test for according to google is about 90 days.

In any case, the feds ask about use in the last 7 years, and urine test.

Oh, I didn't realize the OP was actually asking about physical testing.

OP: If you've been using drugs recently enough to be worried about failing a urine test, I'd strongly advise against applying for any federal positions/internships.

cavalier1138 wrote:

nixy wrote:I don’t think there are tests that can go back years? The longest you can test for according to google is about 90 days.

In any case, the feds ask about use in the last 7 years, and urine test.

Oh, I didn't realize the OP was actually asking about physical testing.

OP: If you've been using drugs recently enough to be worried about failing a urine test, I'd strongly advise against applying for any federal positions/internships.

Nope, no concerns about physical testing at all. More concerned about the 7-year question. Is smoking pot like 4 years prior to an interview disqualifying?

anon001 wrote:

cavalier1138 wrote:

nixy wrote:I don’t think there are tests that can go back years? The longest you can test for according to google is about 90 days.

In any case, the feds ask about use in the last 7 years, and urine test.

Oh, I didn't realize the OP was actually asking about physical testing.

OP: If you've been using drugs recently enough to be worried about failing a urine test, I'd strongly advise against applying for any federal positions/internships.

Nope, no concerns about physical testing at all. More concerned about the 7-year question. Is smoking pot like 4 years prior to an interview disqualifying?

It really depends. If "smoking pot" means one time at a party, and "four years ago" means college, that's less likely to be an issue. If "smoking pot" means routine use, and "four years ago" means while you were working a full-time job, that could be a problem.

anon001 wrote:

cavalier1138 wrote:

nixy wrote:I don’t think there are tests that can go back years? The longest you can test for according to google is about 90 days.

In any case, the feds ask about use in the last 7 years, and urine test.

Oh, I didn't realize the OP was actually asking about physical testing.

OP: If you've been using drugs recently enough to be worried about failing a urine test, I'd strongly advise against applying for any federal positions/internships.

Nope, no concerns about physical testing at all. More concerned about the 7-year question. Is smoking pot like 4 years prior to an interview disqualifying?

For DoJ, I believe this is office specific, Harvard career services has some information on drug use and Honor's Programs. Also I heard some agencies/offices ask for the last 10 years rather than 7.