Marijuana use may be legal in Colorado now, but Pentagon officials are warning military personnel stationed there, including Air Force Cadets, that it's still off limits.
According to Stars and Stripes, the Defense Department has issued a not so subtle reminder that random drug testing is still enforced and that anyone caught in the act or with traces in the body can still be punished, either by losing security clearance or other privileges, or even dismissal from the service.
Civilians are also prohibited from bringing marijuana onto military bases or they could face legal action as well.
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It became legal to smoke pot in Colorado on Jan. 1. According to the Stars and Stripes, one of the first customers to purchase marijuana was Iraq War veteran Sean Azzariti, who is also a marijuana activist. Azzariti says the drug is effective in offsetting symptoms caused by post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Air Force, which has its own service academy in Colorado Springs, released a statement earlier this year warning its personnel to be "vigilant" about avoiding marijuana use when around civilians.
"The mission of the U.S. Air Force is of paramount importance, and airmen who use marijuana are neither prepared nor suited to carry out that mission," the statement said.
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