If I had better recruiting in the past, it's possible this isn't an issue.
I have a hard time believing that you told a recruiter you smoked up 50x, but now you suddenly remember it was under 10 and your big bad recruiter made you falsify your app by making you nervous. It's more likely you went through a phase where you used marijuana quite a bit, since if you just tried it a few times you'd remember. It doesn't make you a bad person and will likely be legalized in our lifetime, but it does DQ you from your 'dream' of being an intel officer.
This isn't just a field reject for MJ use, it's a nightmare filled with numerous, I repeat numerous, "lost applications, " misplaced paperwork, plenty of cancelled interviews, recruiters that came and went, etc. Bear in mind, when I started this process years ago, that fateful question was worded "in the past 7 yrs" of which that's an honest no. However now it's changed "Have u ever" When I was finally able to get a recruiter who got interviews done, and paperwork done. No one's fault but mine for that answer that it is today.
If I had better recruiting in the past, it's possible this isn't an issue.
This is just my own opinion, but if I were you, I would immediately cease any consideration of enlistment. You are 30 with a masters.....that is not the place for you. Maybe as like an early 20 something with some college experience.....that is common. In your case, you are going to be so overqualified for any job you may take that it will just be aggravating, as will your lifestyle.
Even for USNR??? I'm only considering reserves as I have too much vested in pension already it be foolish to throw it away.
I've had many, many tell me not to enlist. Has me wondering why haha.
My reasons for enlistment are...
I get to serve Navy and this country.
$20k bonus
Yes, I would opine, even for the Reserves. MIDNJAC gave it to you straight…unless you believe the Reserve gig is all about shirtless dog-tag volleyball once a month and Dress White Jumpers two weeks a year.
Because many are giving you good advice. Why do you refuse to listen?
Let's be honest…$20K is less than the cost of a new car. If that's your motivation…sheesh…fergit it.
If your stated "desire to serve" is absolutely so compelling…there are many, many other avenues…neighborhood, local, city, county, state.
I don't mean to question your personal motivation, but are you contemplating running for public office or some other such thing wherein you think you need "military service cred"?
Tough love: You've had 12 full years of opportunity to serve the Navy and your country. This just seems like an afterthought to me.
PM me if you want to chew my ass...
Gamer…Try the Army or Air National Garage in your state. I took a commission in the Army to keep the clock running on my retirement while waiting for the Navy. (Navy enlisted, then Army officer, now happily commissioned in the Navy)