Traditionally, the C.I.A. advised potential applicants to abstain from cannabis use for a year before submitting their application. However, in April 2020, they reduced this period to just 90 days. Similarly, the F.B.I. reduced its abstinence requirement from three years to a year in 2021. Ironically, the Office of Personnel Management has decided to cease categorizing individuals with a history of cannabis usage as security risks. This has simplified the security clearance screening process.