Do you think legalizing marijuana will benefit or hurt the military?

SSG Keven Lahde — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 13:35:12 -0500

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jan 2 at 2016 1:43 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 13:43:44 -0500

SSG Keven Lahde I think it has no place in the military and society, however I know medically speaking there are some advantages. I think it will hurt the military, because the military is about the defense of our nation not to advocate drugs.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 2 at 2016 1:53 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 13:53:15 -0500

We're a decade or two off from "Legalization." We're currently in the "decriminalization" phase, and that is mostly at the State & Local level.

Decriminalization is a nuanced difference in that we are changing it from a Felony (heavily punishable offense) to a Misdemeanor/Civil Infraction (or non-enforced offense).

THC "if" comparable to alcohol as "impairing substance" is still detrimental to a Force that uses Industrial Level Equipment and Tools on a daily basis, such as Vehicles, and Weapons. It should be restricted as such. We don't let our folks drink on duty, or when expected to go on duty. We don't allow the use of Tobacco products inside government facilities. Policies should be the same for THC based products.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 2 at 2016 2:13 PM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 14:13:26 -0500

Even if ever becomes 100% legal for recreational use, I have a feeling that MJ will always be banned for use by military members.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2016 7:19 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 19:19:03 -0500

I personally do not think it should be legal anywhere, especially for military members. I have no problem where it is needed for medical use.

Response by SSG Raymond Whitener made Jan 2 at 2016 7:20 PM

SSG Raymond Whitener — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 19:20:15 -0500

I can see medical marijuana being prescribed to veterans who have seen Combat and can't live a restful life without it. For Marijuana to be legal for all troops, the rules would have to be more stringent than for alcohol, a drug we have already accepted.

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Jan 2 at 2016 9:10 PM

SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 21:10:31 -0500

It will hurt readiness and morale, and will also result in a whole slew of new GMT requirements and stand downs. Also consider the cannabis deglamorization program. It will, however, boost Cheetos consumption by the troops, hence saving the commissary and exchange. I guess that will put more folks in the "Chub Club."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2016 9:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 21:33:40 -0500

I think that the feds should make it a Schedule 3 or 4 and let the states work it out. I think that for now the military should still prohibit marijuana without military medical care. I think that we need to let the states to learn how to best handle weed first then we can see about allowing it for use by soldiers.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jan 2 at 2016 11:01 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 23:01:14 -0500

Nobody ever got any smarter or more effective using dope of any sort. It can only do for the soldier what pouring sand in the crankcase does to an engine. There can be no benefit to the military from legalizing pot.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jan 3 at 2016 12:48 AM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 00:48:57 -0500

Legalization of marijuana is a bad idea for everyone. Especially the military. Marijuana is not the innocent drug that some would like you to believe. A recent example would be the woman who killed multiple pedestrians in Las Vegas was under the influence of marijuana.

As someone who is a court certified Subject Matter Expert (SME) on marijuana and narcotics in general, I admit that I am biased. People need to remember that marijuana was once legal. It became illegal when society determined that it was harmful to society in general.

That being said, I do believe that in the short term, it will be legalized in the future. However, it will then become illegal again once society remembers its harmful effects.

People like to compare marijuana to alcohol. While both can be clearly abused, only alcohol has been shown to have a positive impact on ones health (used in moderation). There have been numerous studies that have verified the positive effect on the heart with daily alcohol use. Marijuana has been shown to have a very limited medical benefit. Mostly to counteract the negative effects of chemotherapy. Long term studies need to be conducted to determine the actual benefit (if any) of marijuana.

Today's marijuana is much stronger than in the past with huge increases of THC compared to 30 years ago. Allowing marijuana usage in the military would be akin to allowing soldiers to be drunk on duty or to be under the influence of other drugs (both legal and illegal).

Even if the rest of the county legalizes it, I don't see it ever being legalized in the military. No good could come of it.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Jan 3 at 2016 4:31 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 04:31:25 -0500

Hurt. Everyone will be jealous they can't smoke dope when all their civilian friends are. Probably a lot more hot tests with contact high defenses.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Jan 3 at 2016 4:40 AM

SGT Rick Ash — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 04:40:27 -0500

Nope! Not for our military. At the age of 62 now and undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer I have a prescription for medical marijuana to treat severe nausea. 24/7 IV chemotherapy for 6 months was tough. The last month was really bad. The marijuana helps the nausea but I can't concentrate like normal. I can only imagine the negative impact on military readiness and I do not see MJ use ever decriminalized for the armed forces. And you need to consider that the tar level in a joint is like 10x or more of that of a cigarette. OK, imagine the impact on performance of ground forces OR Fighter Pilots. No possible positive outcome. PT test results? Not good. The UCMJ should be tough on those who use. If you must use, then wait until you get out. Think too about the impact on the rest of your life of a "Less than Honorable Discharge". If you don't want to serve at the peak of your abilities just request a blood test or CBC panel. You'll be working at McDonald's before you know it.....

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Jan 3 at 2016 6:13 AM

SSG Leo Bell — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 06:13:52 -0500

I think it will hurt the military and the public. I had to use it medically for awhile. I was given the merinol pills from the military and Va to make me have and appetite again. I didn't like it because I was to high and didn't feelin control. Plus it trick the brain into thinking I was hungry so I would eat allot and end up over eating and getting sick. Plus I just wanted to lay down and sleep after that. I know most people get the munchies and then sleep for a few hours after smoking marijuana, plus they get lazy and don't want to do anything. I would not trust a person next to me who has been smoking. You know they can't drive being on it and I wouldn't let them have a weapon. I studied Vietnam allot and drugs played a very bad part with soldiers during that war. I have nothing but respect for our Vietnam era war vets and I have heard that some of them got back they were a few of them who were strung out on different types of drugs. People always say marijuana doesn't hurt you might be right but I feel when smoking it you don't have your best judgement.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2016 12:18 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 12:18:34 -0500

Using mind-altering substances, legal and illegal, has been nothing but trouble for the military and it's members. How many careers have ended over the abuse of alcohol or prescription drugs?
Legal or not to use, the results of imbibing are often bad.

Response by SFC Wade W. made Jan 3 at 2016 3:19 PM

SFC Wade W. — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 15:19:15 -0500

Just because it may become legal does not mean everyone can use it. As a CDL holder I am subject to periodic UA's. If a substance were found in my system that detracted from my ability to safely operate a vehicle my license would be suspended or revoked. Many jobs will require that you cannot use controlled substances. I believe the military will still make the use of marijuana illegal for the service member or its civilian employees.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jan 3 at 2016 3:30 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 15:30:55 -0500

Until they come up with a breath or blood test to determine level of impairment, allowing it in the Military except for medical use is a bad idea. Still not sure how it will be determined who is stoned or just incompetent.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 6:17 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 06:17:59 -0500

hurt, its gonna cause a mayor headache.

Response by SPC Ryan Desmond made Jan 6 at 2016 7:17 AM

SPC Ryan Desmond — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 07:17:17 -0500

Might help troops with issues. Just regulate it in the military like booze.

Response by SGT Brian Patton made Jan 6 at 2016 7:38 AM

SGT Brian Patton — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 07:38:04 -0500

You ever had a hang over while serving as an infantrymen? Yea me too, everyday! If guys can smoke say goodbye to hangovers, no more drunkin 5 mile runs, no more fighting downtown Ogden, Ks. No more picking up and marrying the toothless wonder by your Pvt during a 4 day weekend.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Jan 6 at 2016 8:22 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 08:22:51 -0500

Even if it becomes legal, I don't think the military will allow it.

Response by GySgt Carl Rumbolo made Jan 6 at 2016 9:02 AM

GySgt Carl Rumbolo — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 09:02:04 -0500

If marijuana is legalized at a national level - across all 50 states, then it should be dealt with according to the same guidelines as alcohol - that is the logical, rational approach. When I first joined the service in 1976, illegal drugs, primarily marijuana, but also others was a serious problem - alcohol was also a serious problem (if not more so than 'drugs') but less recognized and even tolerated -'the gunny is hung over bad! don't bother him"

So, if legalized to the extend alcohol is, then it needs to handled the same way

Response by SPC Louis Copechal made Jan 6 at 2016 9:10 AM

SPC Louis Copechal — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 09:10:52 -0500

Beneficial ONLY to the seriously wounded, and it MUST be maintained and monitored through an outside organization that both the injured and the military trust. MUTUAL RESPECT AND UNDERSTANDING.

Response by Sgt Kirk Maple made Jan 6 at 2016 10:26 AM

Sgt Kirk Maple — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 10:26:06 -0500

where are the studies done with volunteers in the military of alcohol vs cannabis AND THC vs CBD???

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 12:45 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 12:45:08 -0500

Neither. Because as federal employees, they will never authorize us to consume it in any form.

Response by SSG Ronald Rollins made Jan 6 at 2016 8:51 PM

SSG Ronald Rollins — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 20:51:02 -0500

In my opinion, it will be of no benefit to the military on active duty. It is a drug that impairs judgement like alcohol or narcotic medications. I know before I retired in 2012, no drinking on duty and if you were on meds, there was no hazardous duty,i e weapons handling(range quals), driving, or being on duty such as staff duty or cq. It affects the brain and decision making. I would not want someone who was drunk or on drugs to make important decisions. Maybe for those with medical conditions that may require it. I hear it helps with PTSD and combat related issues. I have never used it and most likely never will. I may one day be allowed to use it if the VA approves it but I will choose not to. As of now it is my thoughts that I got this far without it why use it now? I do not take meds. ( Though some wish I would!) I may have a few beers (no more than 3 most times) but that is about it. Taking medication is not for me. I try to deal with my issues without being in a fog. But that is JUST HOW I FEEL. If someone does it and it helps them, I will support their right to do it. To each their own. I do not judge what they think is right for them.

Response by Sgt Mike Sarris made Jan 6 at 2016 10:08 PM

Sgt Mike Sarris — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 22:08:58 -0500

If you're active duty, it would be a gigantic mistake to allow the use of Marijuana. Now for helping the troops with PTSD once they're out of the service, I have a completely different take. I've got a few friends who were in Iraq and Afghanistan that have severe PTSD, and they smoke regularly, it's a much bigger help than what the VA is trying to get them to take...and they can get it faster than the VA will refill their prescriptions too. It has it's place, but definitely not in the Active force.

Response by 1SG Rick Davis made Jan 7 at 2016 7:39 AM

1SG Rick Davis — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 07:39:54 -0500

There is no way in hell that this should be allowed.

Response by SSG Daniel Brewster made Jan 7 at 2016 9:22 AM

SSG Daniel Brewster — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 09:22:29 -0500

I assume your questions was asked in the context of treatment for PTSD or similar. I dunno on that front.

If the question was asked in the context of recreational use, ask yourself if you have ever seen a motivated stoner? One willing to go the extra mile and over-achieve? I haven't. And then there's the whole gateway issue. Will dope lead to harder drugs? Again, I dunno. But it seems likely. I can only imagine how difficult it would be to accomplish any mission when some of the players weren't at the top of their game mentally. It's been a long time since I was in uniform, but as I think of the folks most likely to partake (troops from way back when and the people that I know now), the ones that come to mind as those that would likely partake are not the ones that inspire confidence in being competent team players. That's as nice a way of saying "the fu$& ups" as I can...

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 9:59 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 09:59:54 -0500

I don't know what the actual percentage is but I do know as a young E5 attending a wounded soldiers welcome home party from Walter reade the garage was pretty cloudy. Lost a lot of good soldiers over the years because they pissed hot for marijuana. I don't condone drug use but honestly most people don't get into car accidents or beat their spouses while on marijuana. Maybe it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 10:36 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 10:36:07 -0500

I don't see the benefits on ANY non medical application. As far as medical card argument, if a soldier needs that, they are a candidate for medical discharge

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 11:11 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 11:11:23 -0500

No. Just No. If that is your thing ETS ASAP.

Response by SSG Wayne Wood made Jan 7 at 2016 11:54 AM

SSG Wayne Wood — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 11:54:51 -0500

I see no good that can come from it. Booze can be a bad enough problem as it is.

Response by MSgt Jim Bain made Jan 7 at 2016 11:59 AM

MSgt Jim Bain — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 11:59:06 -0500

This is an probably the stupidest question RallyPoint has ever fielded. Remember Vietnam folks, ask some of the troops who had to go out on patrol with one of their "buddies", who thought he'd get a little buzz on, before he went to work. You want to go into combat with somebody higher than a kite, think again!!!!! It had no place in the Military then, and no place in it now. Sorry, guess I'm from another generation, just do not understand why a question like this should even be brought up!

Response by SFC Donald York made Jan 7 at 2016 12:42 PM

SFC Donald York — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 12:42:41 -0500

Hurt.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Jan 7 at 2016 4:35 PM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 16:35:06 -0500

While I don't find it the demon it's made out to be I can't see how anyone could say it wouldn't be a detriment to the military. It slows down response time, a lack of awareness and seems to leave people little interest in accomplishment. Even if it is legalized I can't see allowing it in the military.

Response by GySgt Carl Rumbolo made Jan 7 at 2016 4:46 PM

GySgt Carl Rumbolo — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 16:46:49 -0500

It is interesting to read the responses to this question - folks on both sides of the fence. I have not seen anyone on the 'no' side present a reasoned, rational argument as to why permitting off-duty use of marijuana should be any different then the use of alcohol.

Remember folks, while I personally don't like or use any mind altering substance (drugs or alcohol), as a society we have made certain substances legal.

The military can control the time and place, even quantity - 'bottle to throttle rule', or even a 'no smoking' (be pretty hard to light up on ship). However if marijuana is made legal in all 50 states, it would be then be an almost untenable position to enforce a ban. Alcohol is legal and not banned, it is regulated and controlled - and arguments can be made that alcohol is as destructive as marijuana, if not more so.

Regulate and control - and let's remember that old leadership adage 'never give an order you know won't be obeyed, or you can't enforce'

So if you have reasons why you think it should not be allowed, state them. Remember 'I feel' and 'because' are not rational arguments, while 'tradition' can be a reason - remember traditions change and evolve. So ...anyone?

Response by SGT Steve Adams made Jan 7 at 2016 6:00 PM

SGT Steve Adams — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 18:00:53 -0500

Legalizing marijuana will be a net benefit to the US in general (including the military).

Decriminalization of drugs must be started. Prohibition of alcohol did not work, and the "War on Drugs" has been a much longer as well as a much more bitter and devastating failure.

Milton Friedman (Nobel Laureate supply side economist ["Voodoo Economics" per George H. W. Bush] told Nixon not to start the war on drugs - Friedman (regardless of what you think about supply side economics) understood very well the black market.

Nixon could not stand those pot smoking hippies (protesting Vietnam, etc) did not heed Friedman's advice. Nixon, however, did advocate more of a rehabilitative approach. The "War" got uglier and now:
1. US has 5% of the world's population
2. US has 25% of the world's PRISON population
3 Majority of US prison population is drug related!!!
At great expense we are creating career criminals (who is going to hire a "jailbird?"). Decriminalize, regulate, and tax drugs just the way alcohol is taxed (alcohol tax used to be the main income source for the government until looming Prohibition helped give birth to the income tax!). If a law is broken "under the influence" of drugs, there are laws to cover that.

Our "drug problem" is far greater after 40+ years of the "War on Drugs" than it ever was before the war started. You may think the "War" is the "right thing to do," but considering that it has created a far greater number and severity of problems than it has solved, surely it is not the "right thing to do!"

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 6:42 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 18:42:39 -0500

I think it would hurt the military, BUT if it becomes legal, then treat it like alcohol. Don't get high and drive, 12 hours joint to throttle, and smoke or eat it when off duty. High tech jobs might need to go from 12 hrs to 36 hrs since THC lags in the body longer if used on a daily basis. Booze is 1 oz per hour liver burn off, so who knows what a high THC joint would last in the body. I feel it is coming around the corner within the next 5 - 10 yrs for the whole USA to be legal. Get enough voters....it will happen.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 7:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 19:45:39 -0500

I'm sure after I am long retired it will be regulated like alcohol is wether we like it or not

Response by TSgt Jennifer Disch made Jan 7 at 2016 8:05 PM

TSgt Jennifer Disch — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 20:05:24 -0500

It wouldn't matter because they are still prohibited from having it and smoking it

Response by PO1 Rick Duff made Jan 7 at 2016 8:43 PM

PO1 Rick Duff — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 20:43:29 -0500

Legalization won't make a difference. Legalization won't change the UCMJ....

Response by PO1 Rick Duff made Jan 7 at 2016 8:47 PM

PO1 Rick Duff — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 20:47:56 -0500

Legalization won't change the UCMJ.

Response by SFC Fernando Campos made Jan 7 at 2016 9:40 PM

SFC Fernando Campos — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 21:40:45 -0500

Talk to any Vietnam Vet, see what they tell you. Anyone in the military needs marijuana for medical reasons, simply get out. Impaired judgement gets people killed.

Response by SSG Randy Pointer made Jan 8 at 2016 7:22 AM

SSG Randy Pointer — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 07:22:05 -0500

I don't know Boose at least isn't normally used during the work day and poor is so easy to use during he day so you could have guys stoned at the range and things like these

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jan 8 at 2016 4:18 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 16:18:45 -0500

Neither. Marijuana use will continue to be another way to weed the idiots out of the military, despite state and local efforts to decriminalize it.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Jan 9 at 2016 9:57 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 21:57:54 -0500

Sp4 Byron Skinner. This is a command challenge. Marijuana has de-facto been legal in most of the country for decades. The Military and its up to command to enforce the rules on base. Off base you follow the prevailing civilian law. If you are in California the local and state law enforcement hasn't enforce individual use of marijuana for decades. I haven't heard about any problems on any of the military bases. In 2014 the state even stopped itv annual seizing of mature plants in rural/back country growing grounds. This is an area where many progressives states are way ahead of the Federal government. Right now the major hindrance to Federal Legalization is the loss of a couple of million law enforcement jobs dedicated to the suppression to the cultivation and use of marijuana and the massive budget that come with them in salary and grants to local law enforcement to enforce Federal Law. As always, its about the money. The actual concerns for the use of marijuana by adults died over 30 years ago.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Jan 10 at 2016 7:37 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 07:37:13 -0500

So long as it remains illegal in Federal jurisdictions, which the military falls under, it will continue to be an issue. It will become a problem when you have bases in states that have legalized marijuana from the standpoint that you will find people getting busted for getting a contact high. Proving specific use could become a problem. I do not see the military legalizing use especially in HRP positions such as LCO in missile silos or anyone with direct association to airframes of any kind...maintenance, aircrew, life support, etc.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 7:57 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 19:57:18 -0500

Even if it was legalized what makes you think the military is going to say its ok for service members to use it. Won't happen, I don't see that happening and it is not something that should be addressed.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jan 15 at 2016 8:03 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 20:03:01 -0500

The views of society are changing regarding the use of marijuana as more becomes known about what it does or doesn't do to people. Some have wondered if alcohol should be banned in the military as the social pressures to imbibe encourage people to participate. Of course alcohol is legal, but who wants to have a formation of hung-over troops, half sick, dehydrated, falling out and straggling before they reach the back gate, headed toward the field at o'dark thirty, whether from alcohol or marijuana.

Response by SGT Benjamin Lindsey made Jan 16 at 2016 9:13 AM

SGT Benjamin Lindsey — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 09:13:27 -0500

Even if it was legalized there would still be regulations limiting the use of it. Though I believe there would be more situations like DUIs and reporting to work under the influence of drugs

Response by SPC Ryan Buchholz made Nov 15 at 2016 12:49 AM

SPC Ryan Buchholz — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 00:49:27 -0500

I don't think those 2 mix, even though I am pro legalization military should not allow it. makes sense you don't want cops military and/or medical impaired with doing their jobs

Response by A1C Lisa Casserly made Nov 15 at 2016 1:08 PM

A1C Lisa Casserly — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 13:08:27 -0500

At this point, I don't think its going to make a difference. Because the legalization is ONLY HAPPENING ON A STATE LEVEL. The Federal government does not recognize state law as being "higher" than Federal. And, as a soldier, you have given up your rights to those laws... you agreed to suspend them and be judged with the UCMJ instead. The UCMJ says NO to marijuana, and all other drugs.

Response by SSgt Henry Barksdale made Feb 27 at 2019 9:41 PM

SSgt Henry Barksdale — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 21:41:38 -0500

No I think it would hamper training and the military effectiveness going forward