The U.S. Coast Guard released a fresh order this week that prevents its staff from visiting any company that develops, sells, or distributes marijuana products.
Coast Guard personnel can face disciplinary action if they enter a dispensary or other marijuana-related business, according to the order issued by Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz on Tuesday. It also prevents the use of cannabis delivery services.
“Wrongful use of controlled substances, to include marijuana use, poses a significant risk to Coast Guard personnel and to unit readiness, and negatively impacts mission execution,” Schultz said in the order. “Further, as part of the federal law enforcement community, I expect Coast Guard personnel to maintain a lifestyle that neither condones the use of illegal substances nor exposes them to accidental intake of illegal drugs.”
The order instantly comes into effect, According to Miltary.com, who first reported the new rule. Those discovered in breach face a maximum penalty of two years in prison, complete forfeiture of pay and a dishonorable discharge.
The prohibition does not extend to prescription drugs based on cannabis authorized by the U.S Food and Drug Administration. To treat certain rare seizure disorders, the FDA has approved a medication containing CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis.
