Uncertain

[Link Cross]

I have to go into a polygraph test soon. I freely admitted to using marijuana. The thing is, I can't remember the exact number of times I used it. Will this come up deceptive when he asks for a specific number?  And should I let the polygrapher know that I am unsure of the number of times I used it?

[George W. Maschke]

If you cannot remember the precise number of times you used marijuana, you do run a risk of being arbitrarily accused of deception with regard to the drug question(s). For example, the FBI's limit for marijuana use is 15 times. But FBI polygrapher H.L. Byford of the El Paso, TX field office wrote in an e-mail exchange with the webmaster of NoPolygraph.com (emphasis added):

It only gets tight, when there are indications of drug usage above the guidelines or drug dealing. I mean, if someone has smoked marijuana 15 times, he's done it 50 times. Don't you agree? Those who have any doubts about how many times they used are going to fail. Those who are certain that they only tried it once or three times or five or whatever, will pass....I got to tell you though, if I was running the show, there would be no one in the FBI that ever used illegal drugs!

[Link cross]

This leads me to my next question. Should I talk about my uncertaintity in the pre-test?

[George W. Maschke]

Link Cross,

Whether to truthfully admit that you don't remember the precise number of times you used marijuana or to choose a number and state that you used marijuana precisely n times is a choice that only you can make. The most I or others can do is to help you make an informed decision.

You need to be aware that whether you choose to be completely honest or not, your polygrapher will lie to you and attempt to deceive you during your polygraph interrogation. If you haven't already done so, be sure to read The Lie Behind the Lie Detector (Chapters 3 & 4 will be of special interest).