Rep. Gallego Fights for Smarter Reenlistment Policy on Marijuana Use
For Immediate Release: July 1, 2020
Contact: christina.carr@mail.house.gov | (202) 225-4065
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House Armed Services Committee passed an amendment to the House National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), introduced by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), that would encourage the military services to implement policies allowing individuals to reenlist even if they admit to having used marijuana.
Mr. Gallego's amendment would allow an individual to rejoin the military if that person truthfully attests to cannabis use while he or she was separated from the military by allowing the Pentagon to grant waivers on a case-by-case basis.
"Smoking pot just once shouldn't prevent a patriotic American from fighting for our country," said Rep. Gallego. "We need to finally exercise some common sense when it comes to our marijuana policies, and I'm glad my amendment will lead us in that direction."
Rep. Gallego is a Marine Corps combat veteran who served in Iraq. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee.