So, here’s the deal: The FBI is on the hunt for some top-notch hackers to protect us from cyber threats. You know, the kind of folks who can crack codes, break into systems, and keep all those bad actors at bay. But there’s a catch—if you’ve enjoyed a puff of marijuana in the last three years, well, you’re out of luck.

Yeah, you heard that right. The FBI has a rule that says you can’t have used weed for three whole years if you want to work for them. Now, imagine telling a talented hacker, someone who could save the country from a cyber meltdown, that they’re disqualified because of some recreational cannabis use. It’s like telling a world-class chef they can’t work in your kitchen because they enjoy a glass of wine after a long day.

Here’s the kicker: marijuana is legal in several states now, and medical marijuana is even more widespread. But the FBI is stuck in the past with their rules, like it’s still the 1980s. Meanwhile, companies in Silicon Valley, where cannabis use is practically a cultural norm, are scooping up these tech wizards without batting an eye. They know talent when they see it, and they’re not letting a little thing like weed get in the way.

So why is the FBI holding firm on this? Well, it’s all about those federal regulations. Marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, so the FBI has to play by those rules. But let’s be real here—cybersecurity isn’t something to take lightly. We’ve got foreign interference in elections, hackers trying to breach critical infrastructure, and all sorts of other digital threats. The FBI needs the best of the best, and by sticking to this outdated policy, they’re missing out on a lot of potential talent.

It’s not like hackers are getting high on the job. We’re talking about folks who might have smoked a joint at a party a couple of years ago. But because of that, they’re automatically disqualified. It’s like the FBI is looking for the perfect candidate in an imperfect world, and in the process, they’re turning away people who could genuinely make a difference.

Remember James Comey? The former FBI Director? Back in 2014, he even hinted that maybe the Bureau should ease up a bit on this rule. He reportedly said that if a hacker had smoked weed but was still a tech genius, they should go ahead and apply. But bureaucracy is a tough beast to tame, and it seems like Comey’s more lenient approach didn’t really take root.

So here we are, in 2024, with the FBI still struggling to fill its ranks with the kind of hackers it needs. Meanwhile, the threats keep evolving, and the Bureau’s pool of potential recruits keeps shrinking. It’s a bit of a mess, honestly. But hey, maybe one day the powers that be will realize that keeping the country safe is more important than holding onto some outdated policies. Until then, if you’re a hacker with a penchant for pot, you might want to look elsewhere for employment.