ACN 092/20 - JUL 2020 RE-ISSUE – A PUNITIVE GENERAL ORDER PROHIBITING ENTRY INTO AND SUPPORT OF MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENTS

ALCOAST COMMANDANT NOTICE                               CANCEL DATE 27 JUL 2021

R 281152 JUL 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CCG//
TO ALCOAST 
UNCLAS //N05810//
ACN 092/20
SUBJ:  RE-ISSUE – A PUNITIVE GENERAL ORDER PROHIBITING ENTRY INTO AND SUPPORT OF
MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENTS
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 300750 JUL 19/ACN 079/19
B. 10 U.S.C. 912a, Art. 112a, Wrongful use, possession, etc., of controlled substances
C. Discipline and Conduct Manual, COMDTINST M1600.2 (series).
1. REF (A) announced the initial Commander's intent with respect to marijuana use and
issued a new punitive general order that prohibited entry into and support of marijuana
establishments. REF (A)'s cancellation date is July 29, 2020.
2. This ACN continues the punitive general order under the Commander's intent and sets
a new cancellation date of July 29, 2021.
3. Commander’s Intent. 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. This ACN is a reminder that the use, possession, manufacture,
or distribution of marijuana is a violation of federal law and the Uniform Code of
Military Justice (UCMJ). 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. Finally,
illegal drug use and involvement with activities, events, or entities that promote
illegal drugs are contrary to our Service’s Core Values.
4. Federal Law. Despite legalization in several states, the use, possession, and
distribution of marijuana remains prohibited under federal law, as per REF (B).
Knowingly being an owner, operator, vendor, or direct investor for a marijuana business
is also illegal under the UCMJ, even where permitted by state or local laws. Participation
in or close association with marijuana growth or distribution commercial enterprises,
including assisting or encouraging these commercial enterprises, is also a violation
of the UCMJ.
5. General Order. Coast Guard military personnel are prohibited from knowingly visiting,
entering, remaining in, or patronizing or otherwise conducting any kind of business with
any establishment whose primary and prominent purpose is the growth, manufacture, sale or
distribution of marijuana or Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products in any form for either
medical or recreational purposes that violate federal law. This prohibition applies to
fixed locations, mobile dispensaries, and online or delivery services. This prohibition
does not extend to medical facilities or pharmacies distributing U.S. Food and Drug
Administration-approved prescription medications containing THC or cannabidiol. This
prohibition preserves good order and discipline and ensures the health and mission
readiness of all Coast Guard military personnel. This paragraph is a punitive General
Order that applies immediately and at all times. This General Order will be reflected
in a future update of REF (C), which will be released within the next year. Any violation,
attempted violation, or solicitation of another member to violate this order may result
in administrative and/or disciplinary action under the UCMJ for violation of Article 92
(failure to obey a lawful general order). Violation of a general order under Article 92,
UCMJ, carries a maximum punishment of two years confinement, total forfeitures of pay
and allowances, reduction to E-1, and a dishonorable discharge or dismissal.
6. Drug-Free Federal Workplace. Executive Order 12564 requires all federal employees to
refrain from the use of illegal drugs; provides that the use of illegal drugs by federal
employees, whether on or off duty, is contrary to the efficiency of the service; and
persons who use illegal drugs are not suitable for federal employment. Because marijuana
remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, involvement with marijuana
growing or distributing could negatively impact a suitability determination for continued
federal employment. Involvement with such activities and establishments may also have
an impact on military and civilian security clearances.
7. Upholding our Core Values. It is contrary to our Core Values and our role as a federal
law enforcement agency to participate in any event or with any entity that sells, promotes,
celebrates, encourages, or seeks to further the use of marijuana and illegal THC-based
products. Doing so could have negative career consequences and potentially expose our
members to criminal liability. I am relying on Commanding Officers to implement the General
Order as well as my Commander’s Intent. Further, I am relying on each and every member
of the Coast Guard to ensure that their conduct upholds our Core Values.
8. Unit Commanders, Commanding Officers, Officers-in-Charge, and supervisors at all levels
must publish this ACN to all hands.
9. Point of Contact: For questions regarding the Military Drug and Alcohol Policy, contact
COMDT (CG-1331) at HQS-PolicyandStandards@uscg.mil. For questions regarding UCMJ matters,
contact CAPT Vasilios Tasikas (CG-LMJ), 202-372-3806, or Vasilios.Tasikas@uscg.mil.
10. Released by ADM K. L. Schultz, Commandant.
11. Internet release is authorized.