Personnel at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts have been reminded about its strict policy on the possession and use of cannabis products.
While the memorandum states no individual may use, possess, distribute, or introduce marijuana on the installation, the 66th Air Base Group Legal Office takes things a step further according to this post.
“The important take away for military members, federal employees, contractors, dependents, literally anybody who tries to come on base needs to remember, you can’t have or use marijuana, CBD, or THC.”
This is because federal law and the Department of Defense policy still classify marijuana as a controlled substance. The issue here is that CBD, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, can be derived from hemp; which is legal at a federal level. However, some of these products can have traces of THC.
But the memo; signed by Air Force Commander Colonel Jorge Jimenez, specifically mentions hemp; stating the ban “includes the use, possession, distribution, or introduction of products containing or derived from hemp.”
Wrongful use and/or possession of controlled substances is unlawful under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) via Article 112A, which states:
“The substances referred to in subsection (a) are the following:
(1) Opium, heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, methamphetamine, phencyclidine, barbituric acid, and marijuana and any compound or derivative of any such substance.”
Again, no distinction between marijuana and hemp is made; and there is a difference. Legal hemp under federal law is defined as a cannabis plant that contains 0.3% or less THC by dry weight.
Regardless of the CBD issue, penalties for infractions can be harsh under the UCMJ.
“Federal employees may face disciplinary actions under Department of the Air Force Instruction 36-148, Discipline and Adverse Actions of Civilian Employees,” states the post. “In addition, military members, federal employees and Department of Defense contractors may be barred from the installation or denied a security clearance.”
And just on that last bit, something else that may negatively impact on personnel security clearance is “knowingly and directly investing in stocks or business ventures that specifically pertain to marijuana growers and retailers”.
The prohibition doesn’t go so far as to forbid the use of “durable goods” containing hemp, such as clothing.
Personnel at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts have been reminded about its strict policy on possession and use of cannabis products. Read More
