Posted on Jun 18, 2016
How long until marijuana is legal in the military?
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Marijuana use is currently prohibited under UCMJ Article 112. However, with many states legalizing its recreational use, how long before the military amends UCMJ Article 112, allowing its use? Having never used with marijuana, I cannot speak from experience, however it could be argued that it has less negative effects than alcohol or tobacco. A THC Breathalyzer is also on the market now.
Edited 8 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 148
Back when I was a young Army Lieutenant in the early 1980's the Army moved away from encouraging smoking, drinking and fatty foods. Smoking and drinking were the toughest sells. We had cigarettes in C-rations and had been taking smoke breaks for well before I enlisted in 1974.
I used to smoke and drink and I also smoked marijuana in the 1970s. Cigarettes had filters while marijuana does not get filtered unless you include water in water pipes. Since the purpose of inhaling marijuana is generally to get high it is similar to alcohol consumption in that respect.
We know that inhaling unfiltered smoke is generally bad for us which is why many people cough the first time they smoke anything.
I would not expect the military to repeal UCMJ Article 112 anytime soon. After all UCMJ Article 125 Sodomy is still on the books even after the Federal government has repealed "don't ask don't tell" and embraced LGBT. the Federal government does not turn on a dime. ENS (Join to see)
I used to smoke and drink and I also smoked marijuana in the 1970s. Cigarettes had filters while marijuana does not get filtered unless you include water in water pipes. Since the purpose of inhaling marijuana is generally to get high it is similar to alcohol consumption in that respect.
We know that inhaling unfiltered smoke is generally bad for us which is why many people cough the first time they smoke anything.
I would not expect the military to repeal UCMJ Article 112 anytime soon. After all UCMJ Article 125 Sodomy is still on the books even after the Federal government has repealed "don't ask don't tell" and embraced LGBT. the Federal government does not turn on a dime. ENS (Join to see)
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I think it's a long way off even though I personally don't think it should be that far off. It'll likely be a few more years before its legal at the federal level and then at least 10 more years after that before the military complies. That's if the military does. Personally and scientifically speaking, marijuana isn't harmful at all while alcohol is harmful and yet alcohol is legal and even encouraged to partake in while in the military. I honestly think the only reason the military would allow marijuana is because they wouldn't be able to recruit the numbers they need with multiple states, and likely eventually the federal government, legalizing it and Americans still wanting to partake in it. If the military could recruit their numbers without allowing it, you better bet that's exactly what they'd do
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Even if the military one day legalized marijuana use we are nowhere near that point. Society still has a long way to come. But maybe years/decades down the road it will be time for the federal government and DOD to reassess.
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The Pandora's box has been opened. It's only a matter of time. I live in Colorado and there are Medical Dispenserys Everywhere. Many areas recreational use is proving to be a Revenue maker for Towns and cities. I am not a
User but I do not see a problem with those that do. Responsible use is what is being promoted here and For the most part that is what I have observed. I think If California Leagelizes there will be an avalanche of other states following suit. I think all states should allow legitimate medical use. And I stress Legitimate. I know there are a lot of fake Medical users but there are some with real medical issues it helps.
User but I do not see a problem with those that do. Responsible use is what is being promoted here and For the most part that is what I have observed. I think If California Leagelizes there will be an avalanche of other states following suit. I think all states should allow legitimate medical use. And I stress Legitimate. I know there are a lot of fake Medical users but there are some with real medical issues it helps.
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I'm a biologist/clinical scientist hemp works. Man made pharmaceuticals are very exact and limited. They pay is to study this. They already have patents for several cannabinoids. If you don't believe me just read. By the way it's illegal in Omdiana too. What a shame.
The lady paper I read shows it helps increase bone density. Of course we are smarter tha 6000 years of human existence.
The lady paper I read shows it helps increase bone density. Of course we are smarter tha 6000 years of human existence.
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SrA Michael Dorwaldt
As have never tried the stuff and will not, i am told it has some of the same effects as alcohol, but not smoking tobacco, and I don't drink, by choice. However, i did make a lot of extra spending money on designated driving. You are right. Comedy at its finest.
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ENS (Join to see) With the many changes in regulations with regard to women in combat, transgenders in the military and making accommodations, and the acceptance of Gays in the military, why wouldn't we allow drugs too. I'm not for it or against it, but some real thought needs to be place on removing UCMJ Article 112 completely or amending it to cover the use of Marijuana during normal duty hours or under combat situations, or in the Theater of War, period. Remember, we have Genarl Order 1A in play for Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Just some thoughts!
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1stSgt Edward Jackson
In my opinion, the social experiments of recent years in and involving the military forces have been a complete failure. In my USAF career, being part of the team was what it was all about. I would not want to have someone turning a wrench on my KC-135 if they had just smoked marijuana, or had a few cans of beer. The same with handling nukes or conventional weapons. There is no place in the military for someone even slightly under the influence of some drug or alcohol. The military has a unique job in our society, to defend us by killing people and breaking things. You cannot shoot straight if you are impaired
I hope the next POTUS has the balls to reverse some of the social experiments of recent times for the military. They have one of the most important jobs to do in the USA, and we still don't make pink camouflage, or (legally) grow pot on base..
I hope the next POTUS has the balls to reverse some of the social experiments of recent times for the military. They have one of the most important jobs to do in the USA, and we still don't make pink camouflage, or (legally) grow pot on base..
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I don't condom Marijuana or have ever smoke it but I was with with soldiers many times in the Mortar 4.2 Range and their expertise had no flaws.
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I don't see if being legalized in the military due to the fact that we're on duty 24/7 365. Your decision making and reasoning may be effected and therefore you wouldn't be 100% to serve.
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ENS (Join to see)
MSgt, what about alcohol and tobacco? I understand where you're coming from, but historically, we need to look at how tobacco and alcohol were introduced and re-introduced into the military and then observe marijuana as it takes a similar path.
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