Changing local marijuana laws do not change federal law Published Dec. 15, 2016 By Mark Wyatt 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Despite voters in Massachusetts approving “The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act,” which passed via ballot initiative question 4 on Nov. 8, officials remind personnel here that any marijuana use or possession is still illegal under federal law. The consequences for breaking this law could be career ending. The Nov. 8 vote legalizes the possession, use, distribution and cultivation of recreational marijuana in limited amounts by those ages 21 and older and removes criminal penalties for such activities in the Commonwealth. “Even though Massachusetts has passed legislation that decriminalizes marijuana possession, military installations are considered federal property, so nothing changes as it relates to bringing and or having drugs on base, even for civilians” said Maj. Joseph Bincarousky, Sr., 66th Security Forces Squadron commander. “If anyone is found on Hanscom Air Force Base in possession of or using marijuana, that person will be subject to the federal laws related to marijuana, not to the Commonwealth’s law.” The federal law, known as the Controlled Substances Act, makes it illegal to possess marijuana for any use – medical or recreational – on a federal installation. Bincarousky said SFS personnel would continue to police the installation for all illegal drugs. For active duty and Reserve members who serve under the UCMJ, the law has not changed. Any person subject to the UCMJ who wrongfully uses, possesses, manufactures, distributes a controlled substance on or off base or introduces a controlled substance into an installation or vehicle used by the military will face appropriate disciplinary action. This could include administrative action or facing a court-martial. Base officials also emphasize that civilians occupying positions identified for random drug testing remain subject to the same disciplinary standards as before the Massachusetts ballot initiative passed. Capt. Christopher McNamee, 66 SFS operations officer, highlighted that base employees and residents will need prudence when sponsoring base visitors. “When base residents and employees consider sponsoring visitors on base, they may want to tell their visitors that marijuana, and other illegal drugs, are not permitted on the installation,” McNamee said. “Sponsors are ultimately responsible for their visitors, and if they knowingly allow visitors to bring illegal substances, they will be held accountable.” According to Hanscom’s top cop, another possible consequence of violating the federal law is debarment from the installation. “The presence and use of drugs on the installation is damaging to good order and discipline,” Bincarousky said. “There are consequences for introducing drugs illegally to the Hanscom community.” The portion of the law making possession legal in the Commonwealth will take effect Dec. 15. For more information on the Controlled Substance Act, visit http://www.fda.gov/regulatoryinformation/legislation/ucm148726.htm#cntlsbd. For further information, contact security forces at 781-225-5621.