Quote from: dimas on Jan 17, 2006, 09:07 PMcavhan7,
The disqualification for drug usage is completely dependant on the policies of the agency, therefore, it varies from agency to agency.
Some agencies have begun to be a bit more lax on the past drug usuage information of candidates, due in large part to the high usage of drug experimentation among young people during the last 10 years. Unless you plan on working in Arizona or for the DEA or FBI, the Marijuana usage more than likely will not disqualify you, nor will the cocaine, some departments, however, are very picky about the use of ecstasy.
Your best bet is to stay the HELL away from any more drugs, go to school and get your degree. At 17 you are quite young and may find out at 23 that you really don't want to be a cop anyway, but if you feel you still do, then at least 5 years of being clean is an excellent way to start applying.
As far as if it is worth it to stay clean and sober through college, even if you don't plan on becoming a cop in the future, an arrest for possesion or DWI can also greatly affect your chances of getting hired in the private sector.