HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Officials from the 66th Security Forces Squadron remind the base community that while marijuana may be legal in some states, it remains illegal in any form on federal installations.
The Controlled Substance Act makes it illegal to possess marijuana for any use – medical or recreational – on a federal installation.
“The line between state and federal laws begins and ends at our gates,” said Tech. Sgt. Kyle Majorana, 66 SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of police services and physical security.
Majorana explained that marijuana does not have to be in plant form to be considered illegal.
“Hemp, CBD and traces of THC can be found in a number of products like shampoos, lotions, and lip balms that you can buy in the open market, but you can’t bring them onto the installation,” he said. “Even if it’s for your pet, it’s still illegal.”
Any person subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice who wrongfully uses, possesses, manufactures or distributes a controlled substance on or off base, or introduces a controlled substance in a vehicle used by the military, will face appropriate disciplinary action.
“For military members, drug use and possession will have adverse career implications and administrative actions like loss of rank and pay,” said Maj. Steven Vallarelli, 66th Air Base Group Legal Office division chief. “If the case warrants more severe action, members could be subject to a court-martial, possibly resulting in a federal conviction.”
Civilian employees, residents, and contractors are also prohibited from possessing and using marijuana on federal installations, and a conviction for possession of marijuana would likely have security clearance implications, or result in disbarment from the installation, said Vallarelli.
The laws and repercussions also apply to those visiting the installation, and sponsors should make sure their guests understand the federal laws in place before bringing them onto the base, said Maj. Shane Watts, 66 SFS commander.
“Our intent is always to protect, educate and inform the base community while maintaining good order and discipline,” said Watts.
Individuals can contact their installation legal office for more information, or visit www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis.
By Lauren Russell, 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs / Published May 07, 2021
