Marijuana use still prohibited for military members

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Saphfire D. Cook
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz., --  Col. John Cherrey, 355th Fighter Wing commander, released a memorandum 13 Dec. reiterating to all D-M Airmen the Air Force policy concerning marijuana.

The memorandum states that all persons are prohibited from introducing, using, possessing, distributing, or purchasing marijuana on D-M for any reason, even if it is medically prescribed.

Marijuana is still considered an illegal substance under federal law and is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act of the United States Code, Title 21, Chapter 13.

Schedule I drugs are seen as having the high potential for abuse, a lack of accepted safety for use, and are not currently accepted for medical use in the United States.

Consequences for violating this statute are varied.

All active duty, reservists on orders or inactive training status, and mobilized Guard members are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice if caught using or possessing marijuana on or off the installation.

Civilians can be referred to the Department of Justice and be prosecuted for use or possession of marijuana. Violators can also be issued a barment order prohibiting admittance onto the installation by the Department of Justice.

In addition, civilian government employees may be subject to administrative action.

"The presence of any Schedule I substance poses significant risks to the health, welfare, and good order and discipline of the Davis-Monthan AFB community, and threatens mission accomplishment and national security," said Colonel Cherrey. "It cannot be tolerated."