I personally do not believe that lying is the best way to start your career in LE.  As far as the Marijuana smoking is concerned it really should not be an issue if it was a few years ago and you didn't light up like Cheech and Chong.  (I believe the department for which you are applying more than likely has a cut off point at which they draw the line on Marijuana usage)

ALL of us more than likely have an acquaintance or acquaintances that are screw ups, the difference is that upon realizing that they are screw ups or simply put involved in criminal activity no matter how minor they stay acquaintances and not "friends".  If you have managed to keep you distance from these people and do not associate with them, then it should not be a problem.

As far as the prostitution I really have not seen any dept that has tolerance for this.  I really do not have any advice on this issue as it more than likely will be what disqualifies you.  While technically prostitution is a victimless crime in society it is seen as VERY wrong.  Unless of course you are Charlie Sheen and then society just laughs it away and forgives it.   

I am going to be honest with you here in that it won't hurt for you to give it a try and be HONEST, however I really do not think you are cut up to be in LE at this time.  I do not know BC's view on the above mentioned items and perhaps they are more lax than the US, but I can only give you my American opinion on the matter.

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Rationalizing will not make your position any more truthful.  If you choose to lie that is a decision you will have to live with.  Perhaps you can tell me why a criminal should protect the public from criminals.  Sounds like a horrible plan of action.  If you lie the results of the polygraph may induce the examiner to conduct an interrogation in which you will possibly succumb to the pressure and admit your usage in an honest straightforward manner.  You may in fact "pass" a polygraph and still be subjected to an interrogation.  Another possibility is that you will be outed in the background investigation.

Lie at your own peril.  Dishonesty, however, is not advisable.  As previously stated, if you don't meet the qualifications do not apply.  It will be a ridiculous waste of time and resources for the agency.

Also, a polygraph examiner will not be satisfied with only the approximate date of your first marijuana usage.  He will explore the topic in detail, so you will end up lying if you refuse to acknowledge your true history.  Lying = bad move.