The U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground recently issued a clarification about cannabis and their facility in Maryland. Recreational marijuana is now officially legal in Maryland, as of July 1. Anyone over the age of 21 can purchase marijuana products with an ID. However, APG officials are reminding anyone assigned to or visiting APG that federal laws prohibit cannabis use or possession of it. And those rules apply when you step foot on the facility. Whether you’re a resident or employee doesn’t matter. Facilities or bases that are property of the federal government have to abide by federal law.
Cannabis Clarification
The notice from APG officials is a great reminder for clearance holders – especially anyone employed by the federal government. The notice clarifies that cannabis or its related substances are prohibited for all military services, Active Duty, Reservist, National Guard, and DoD civilian employees. The state may have changed its position on marijuana, but inside the APG gates, the federal law applies to everyone there. Even delivery drivers and visitors need to follow the law. Contractors working on site need to understand the fact that federal law applies here.
Cannabis Consequences
For military personnel, the consequences for having marijuana can have a major professional and personal impact. The AMC Legal Center at APG notes, “Possession of marijuana is still punishable under federal law and possession of marijuana could result in arrest, citation, and prosecution, as well as UCMJ action for military members.”
Soldiers could face dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for two years. All branches of the military have a zero-tolerance policy on drug use and possession. Not to mention the fact that they can lose their security clearance.
Civilians have received updated trainings. APG ASAP Manager, Jason Mohilla says that “In the event that an employee feels they have developed a dependency on cannabis we (ASAP) encourage them to seek assistance through our confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP).”
Contractors Not Exempt
Of course, contractors found to be using marijuana would need to self-report. While the Drug Free Workplace Act doesn’t require termination for drug-related violations, you can face unemployment for losing your security clearance. The cannabis law change in Maryland is a great time to remember that as a clearance holder, the state laws don’t change the federal law for you.
