Because the DEA is responsible for enforcing the Controlled Substances Act, it excludes from consideration job applicants who use or have a recent history of using narcotics or illicit drugs. As of June 27, 2024, DEA applicants cannot have used cannabis or marijuana within three years of submitting their application and cannot have used any other narcotic substance within seven years of applying, although allowances are made for the use of marijuana prior to an applicant's 18th birthday. Background investigations usually include a polygraph test for special-agent, diversion-investigator, and intelligence research specialist positions.
because the dea is responsible for enforcing the controlled substances act it excludes from consideration job applicants who use or have a recent history of using narcotics or illicit drugs as of june 27 2024 dea applicants cannot have used cannabis or marijuana within three years of submitting their application and cannot have used any other narcotic substance within seven years of applying although allowances are made for the use of marijuana prior to an applicant's 18th birthday background investigations usually include a polygraph test for special-agent diversion-investigator and intelligence research specialist positions