Join Military with a Marijuana Card in Oklahoma?

As medical marijuana becomes more widely accepted across the United States, including in Oklahoma, many people are wondering how it impacts other aspects of their lives. One of the most common questions we hear from Oklahomans with medical marijuana cards is: Can I join the military if I have a medical marijuana card?

The answer is complicated, as it involves a mix of state laws, federal regulations, and military policies. In this article, we’ll explore the current landscape of medical marijuana, federal law, and military enlistment, so you can understand what your options are if you’re considering pursuing a career in the military while holding a medical marijuana card in Oklahoma.

The Legal Landscape: Medical Marijuana in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has one of the most progressive medical marijuana programs in the country. Since the passage of State Question 788 in 2018, residents with qualifying medical conditions have been able to legally obtain medical marijuana cards. Conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, cancer, and severe nausea are among the many that qualify a person for the program.

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) oversees the application and approval process, and the state’s medical marijuana card is valid for two years before requiring renewal. Currently, you can get a medical marijuana card for $129 through services like Oklahoma Cannabis Card, with renewals costing $99 every two years.

Federal Law and the Military’s Stance on Marijuana

While medical marijuana is legal in Oklahoma and over 30 other states, it’s important to remember that marijuana remains illegal under federal law. The U.S. Controlled Substances Act classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, meaning it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use at the federal level.

The United States military follows federal law, and as such, marijuana use—whether recreational or medicinal—is strictly prohibited for both active-duty service members and those looking to enlist. This means that even if you have a valid medical marijuana card in Oklahoma, you cannot use marijuana and join the military at the same time.

Zero Tolerance Policy

The military enforces a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drug use. All potential recruits must pass a drug screening test before they are allowed to enlist. If marijuana is detected in your system during this screening, you will be disqualified from joining.

Additionally, if you are already in the military and test positive for marijuana during random drug screenings, you may face disciplinary action, including discharge. This applies even if you have a medical marijuana card from a state like Oklahoma, as federal law supersedes state law for military personnel.

What If I Have a Medical Marijuana Card?

Having a medical marijuana card in Oklahoma does not automatically disqualify you from joining the military, but using marijuana does. The key distinction here is between holding a card and actively using marijuana.

Many people mistakenly believe that simply having a medical marijuana card on their record will prevent them from enlisting. However, as long as you do not test positive for marijuana use during your drug screening, and you do not use marijuana during your time in the military, your card itself should not be an issue. That said, it’s crucial to be aware of the following:

• If you are a prospective recruit with a medical marijuana card, you will need to stop using marijuana well before your enlistment, as marijuana can stay in your system for weeks.
• The military may ask about past drug use during the recruitment process. It’s generally recommended to be honest, but you should also be prepared for the possibility that past marijuana use could impact your eligibility.

Ultimately, if you want to join the military, you must be prepared to fully abstain from using marijuana, regardless of whether you hold a medical marijuana card or not.

What Are My Options If I Have a Medical Marijuana Card and Want to Join the Military?

1. Stop Using Marijuana

If your goal is to join the military, the most straightforward option is to stop using marijuana and allow enough time for it to leave your system before applying. This can be a challenging decision, especially if you rely on medical marijuana for your health, but it is necessary for those who wish to pursue a military career.

2. Explore Alternative Treatments

For individuals using medical marijuana to manage a health condition, it may be worth exploring alternative treatments that could provide similar benefits without the use of cannabis. Speak with a healthcare provider about other options, such as prescription medications or non-psychoactive CBD products (derived from hemp), which are legal at the federal level.

3. Consider Non-Military Career Paths

If you rely on medical marijuana for a chronic condition and are not willing or able to stop using it, you may need to consider alternative career paths outside of the military. While this may be a difficult decision, it’s important to prioritize your health and well-being.

Case Study: A Real-Life Example

Let’s consider the story of John, a 22-year-old from Oklahoma who was diagnosed with severe anxiety and chronic pain following a car accident. He was prescribed medical marijuana by his doctor to help manage his symptoms, and he found that it offered him significant relief without the side effects of traditional pharmaceuticals.

However, John had also dreamed of joining the military ever since he was a teenager. When he applied to enlist, he had to face the reality that his use of medical marijuana would not be compatible with military service. After consulting with his healthcare provider and his recruitment officer, John made the tough decision to stop using marijuana in order to fulfill his dream of serving his country. He began exploring alternative treatments to manage his anxiety and pain and successfully passed his drug screening a few months later.

John’s story highlights the difficult choices that individuals with medical marijuana cards may face when considering a military career. While it is possible to join the military after using medical marijuana, it requires careful planning and a willingness to make lifestyle changes.

Conclusion: Can You Join the Military with a Marijuana Card in Oklahoma?

In summary, while having a medical marijuana card in Oklahoma does not automatically disqualify you from joining the military, using marijuana does. The U.S. military adheres to federal law, which still classifies marijuana as an illegal substance, regardless of state-level medical marijuana programs.

If you are a prospective recruit with a medical marijuana card and you want to join the military, you will need to stop using marijuana and pass a drug screening test. It’s also important to consider alternative treatments for any medical conditions you may be managing with marijuana, as the military maintains a zero-tolerance policy for drug use among its service members.

If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your health with medical marijuana, you can apply for a medical marijuana card through Oklahoma Cannabis Card for just $129, with renewals costing $99 every two years. Keep in mind that if your ultimate goal is military service, you will need to discontinue marijuana use before enlisting.