How will legalization of marijuana impact our military?

2014-11-05T22:54:48-05:00

More and more states are legalizing...including my home state of Oregon. What impact will it play on the uniformed services? I see more and more troops experimenting and exploring recreational pot use, which will make them pop HOT, most likely getting them into rehab and then out of the military. I see a decrease in the quality of recruits as well as a smaller pool of eligible poolees. I think this will be a detriment to society, but will raise much revenue for the state. I think the military will always struggle to compromise with pot use and will probably eventually be an Article 138 or NJP in your service record...I think we will see many more stoned drivers and there will be an increase of accidents and maybe even fatalities. I also predict that the opiate addiction will be most impacted...those that take drugs for pain will find some natural relief with some the of pot medicines.
I voted against, however my wife voted for. She said it should be decriminalized...I'm not totally convinced but it is entirely different if you get caught with a small bag vs. 50 lbs of pot...2 cases in Oregon in the last month....both cars were headed to WA.

Response by PO3 Camille Romero made Nov 5 at 2014 11:14 PM

2014-11-05T23:14:53-05:00

I couldn't agree with you more SSG Michael L.! Just days ago I posted my same feelings re: stoned drivers, MADD, and insurance skyrocketing in a comment to another soldier.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Nov 5 at 2014 11:32 PM

2014-11-05T23:32:59-05:00

The same way that legalized alcohol affected the service...
We'll deal with it, and abusers will find their way out.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 1:19 PM

2014-11-08T13:19:33-05:00

You are still governed by Federal Law, which trumps State Law. Until the Federal Government says "yes" to Cannabis, and the US Military changes UCMJ rulings, you are still required to stay away from it.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 8 at 2014 3:54 PM

2014-11-08T15:54:06-05:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member, i recognize your concern. I think CW2 Joseph Evans put it well and succinctly, as usually, in that we already deal with substance abuse problems, we know how to handles this. I think the benefit of its legalization will exceed its detriment, one easy to anticipate impact on the military: more ability to focus on other crimes or at least harder drugs in our support to LE and partner nations in the areas where we fight drugs. All throughout USSOUTHCOM and in other areas in the world the US military advises trains and mentors partners against and in some cases acts directly against Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). Marijuana used to be a major cash source for these TCOs, now with Washington and Colorado there is surely already reduced profit in it, the more we legalize the more it eats into that revenue stream, freeing us and our partners to focus on the really bad stuff: human trafficking, murder for hire and organized theft.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 8 at 2014 4:01 PM

2014-11-08T16:01:43-05:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member having answered your question directly above, I'm also going to comment to drive traffic to another thread that's tangentially related. I'm much more worried in terms of mission and life protection in the legalization of arming our 'Armed Forces.' Given the constitutional protections of the right to self defense and the training we have received I find it inexcusable that we are prohibited from being armed when in a duty status to protect ourselves and each-other. With the rise in active shooter and 'lone wolf' terrorists, this is a far more concerning issue to me than substance abuse. Check out this thread from SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member and let me know what you think on it.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/concealed-carry-for-cac-holders?page=1&urlhash=317183#317183

Concealed carry for all current service members (CAC holders)? | RallyPoint

Should uniformed military be allowed to conceal carry any were in the U.S. with a CAC as a license due to increased threats to military personnel?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 10:27 AM

2014-11-09T10:27:55-05:00

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2014/08/05/since-marijuana-legalization-highway-fatalities-in-colorado-are-at-near-historic-lows/

Since marijuana legalization, highway fatalities in Colorado are at near-historic lows

Despite claims of an increase in "drugged drivers," Colorado's roads have gotten safer.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2014 8:17 PM

2014-12-27T20:17:23-05:00

http://thespiritscience.net/2014/06/07/colorado-sells-34-million-in-weed-in-august-3-4-million-goes-to-schools-and-crime-down-15/

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2014 8:19 PM

2014-12-27T20:19:17-05:00

I don't want to smoke or use this crap...but if some if the moany goes to education, I'm all for it

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 27 at 2015 4:09 PM

2015-02-27T16:09:18-05:00

It won't. Military bases are federal reservations, so technically state laws don't apply within. They can also deem that marijuana is not allowed within the confines of the reservation. Also UCMJ still prohibits use. So for service members and those living on post, nothing has changed. If you are off post, as a SM you still cannot posses it. Your family can, but they are also putting you at risk by doing so. Bottom line, until the Federal Government legalizes it, you are not allowed to partake.