The USCG Commandant, Adm. Karl Schultz, launched a marine bulletin reminding all coast guard military personnel that the use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of marijuana is a violation of federal law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The rule goes into effect immediately, and violations are punishable by up to two years of confinement, forfeiture of all pay and dishonorable discharge.
Adm. Schultz highlighted that despite the fact that the use of marijuana is legalised in many states, the use, possession, and distribution of marijuana remains prohibited under federal law, including REF. Knowingly being an owner, operator, vendor, or direct investor for a marijuana business is also illegal under the UCMJ, even where permitted by state or local laws.
He continued that
Coast Guard military personnel are prohibited from knowingly visiting, entering, remaining in, or patronizing or otherwise conducting any kind of business with any establishment whose primary and prominent purpose is the growth, manufacture, sale or distribution of marijuana or Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products in any form for either medical or recreational purposes that violate federal law.
In the meantime, Adm. Schultz added that the use or anything that has to do with marijuana goes against the USCG’s values, and may lead to negative career consequences and expose members to criminal liability.
I am relying on each and every member of the Coast Guard to ensure that their conduct upholds our Core Values.
The Admiral’s order is clear, as it prohibits the Coast Guard military personnel from even visiting any type of business that primarily deals in marijuana or THC.
In early April, the USCG highlighted that despite marijuana’s legalisation, it is not safe when coastguard men are tested positive for marijuana or any other dangerous drug, as it could lead to serious consequences for mariners, such as termination of employment, removal from safety sensitive duties and revocation of merchant mariner credentials.
In its fight against drug smuggling and drugs in general, the USCG seized 26,000 pounds of cocaine and 1,500 pounds of marijuana, cocaine worth approximately $348 million, whereas the marijuana $1.6 million.
