DEA Number: Zero Tolerance?

[mdo01]

I have scoured the forums and other web resources for an answer to this but was unable to find anything concrete.

Does anybody know if the DEA has a zero tolerance policy for drug related convictions?

Assuming I pass med school and state licensure background checks, will a 21 year old misdemeanor pot conviction automatically preclude me from DEA licensing?

Of course I will ultimately consult the DEA on this matter, but I am curious if anybody knows of any cases that a DEA number was granted with a drug related conviction on the applicant's record.

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[phospho]

I have scoured the forums and other web resources for an answer to this but was unable to find anything concrete.

Does anybody know if the DEA has a zero tolerance policy for drug related convictions?

Assuming I pass med school and state licensure background checks, will a 21 year old misdemeanor pot conviction automatically preclude me from DEA licensing?

Of course I will ultimately consult the DEA on this matter, but I am curious if anybody knows of any cases that a DEA number was granted with a drug related conviction on the applicant's record.

It is my understanding that medical schools want all their graduates to be able to practice medicine. That's why they won't bother accepting anyone who won't pass licensure. Also, I would assume licensure and requirements for licensure are state dependent.

With that said, I have two friends who were admitted to Ohio schools with pot convictions on their records. However, it wasn't easy AT ALL for them to be admitted. It took them a few years of applying and explaining. Also, by the time they matriculated, it was almost a decade after that conviction.

I think your bigger problem right now is to be able to get financial aid - though I've heard they've relaxed their rules as of recently, so I have no idea how it works.

best of luck!

 

[cpants]

From p. 11 of the DEA Practitioner Manual:

Denial, Suspension or Revocation of Registration
Under the CSA, DEA has the authority to deny, suspend, or revoke a DEA registration upon
a finding that the registrant has:
1. Materially falsified any application filed
2. Been convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance or a List I chemical
3. Had their state license or registration suspended, revoked, or denied
4. Committed an act which would render the DEA registration inconsistent with the
public interest
5. Been excluded from participation in a Medicaid or Medicare program

In determining the public interest, the CSA states the following factors are to be considered:
1. The recommendation of the appropriate state licensing board or professional
disciplinary authority
2. The applicant's experience in dispensing or conducting research with respect to
controlled substances
3. The applicant's conviction record under federal or state laws relating to the
manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances
4. Compliance with applicable state, federal, or local laws relating to controlled
substances
5. Such other conduct which may threaten the public health and safety

http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/manuals/pract/pract_manual012508.pdf

I'd like to think that a 21 year old marijuana conviction couldn't screw you, but in our draconian society, it is certainly in the realm of possibility.

 

[cbrons]

well, along with what he just said, marijuana is a dea schedule I controlled substance.. so it appears you have a problem.. pretty ridiculous in my opinion but oh well

 

[eman53007]

Did the original poster mean a marijuana conviction 21 years ago, or at the age of 21?
I believe s/he meant at the age of 21...

 

[cpants]

well, along with what he just said, marijuana is a dea schedule I controlled substance.. so it appears you have a problem.. pretty ridiculous in my opinion but oh well

Extremely ridiculous. The CSA lists criteria for scheduling in class I as:

1) High potential for abuse
2) No medical use
3) Unsafe

Marijuana does not fit any of these categories, yet is still legally considered equivalent to heroin, LSD, GHB, ecstasy, etc.

 

[action3344]

Marajuana is a misdomeanor in most states so I would say that you should not have anything to worry about. As long as there is not a history of habitual use you should be fine.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

However, it is a felony if the crime occurs on federal property, eg, the blue ride parkway.

 

[akademix]

man if i was a citizen id definitely work for the DEA during my year off...Especially with the Mexican Cartel's and all that stuff...Doing intelligence operations--obviously nothing in harms way....Another place yall should check out, is the OSI in the US Department of Justice--Office of Special Investigations...They seek out war criminals in hiding--they were basically Nazi hunters for the last few decades, but that is sounds like such an awesome job. I get citizenship in like 8 months, but it sucks cause that'll be too late to live out some of these non-med related/year-off dreams lol.

 

[Kingfish]

Get a lawyer. It is entirely possible to have your conviction reclassified (if that's the term.) For example, a friend of mine had a DUI changed to reckless driving after a few years so he could become a construction foreman. You need to convince a judge that you're sorry and explain that you're trying to better yourself by going to medical school. Like I said though, find a lawyer who knows the process.

 

[mdo01]

Did the original poster mean a marijuana conviction 21 years ago, or at the age of 21?
I believe s/he meant at the age of 21...

Both are correct. I was 21 when the infraction occured, and by the time I apply for licensure it will be 21 years old.

well, along with what he just said, marijuana is a dea schedule I controlled substance.. so it appears you have a problem.. pretty ridiculous in my opinion but oh well

Actually, item two states conviction of a felony related to a schedule 1 controlled substance. My citation was for misdemeanor possession.

Also, it appears if I can get my state medical board on my side, this might impact the DEA's decision.

I have written the DEA in this regard to see what they have to say. I want to be as certain as I can be that I will be able to obtain the required licensing to practice medicine. I would be up $#@! creek if I had 200k in debt and zero earning potential.

 

[jeffCAandTX]

md01--

have you received anymore info in regards to this matter?

have you heard back from the dea?

please share if you have!

 

[iamvillainmo]

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