The US Coast Guard is reminding mariners that no matter the legal status of marijuana at the state level, testing positive for the drug still has consequences.
In a post to its Maritime Commons blog Tuesday, staff from the Coast Guard's Suspension & Revocation National Center of Expertise reminded mariners that even though 10 states and DC have legalized the drug and many more have approved medical use "the best decision a mariner can make is to avoid using marijuana or any products derived from marijuana."
The post warned a positive drug test could mean being fired, revocation of merchant mariner credentials and a removal from service until he or she racks up a year or more of negative drug tests.
"The ravages of addiction and accidental overdose make headlines daily, yet drug use among both the general population and safety-sensitive workforce continues to increase," the post read.
"Much of the rise is attributable to the growing use of marijuana, which has become at least partially legal in 35 states but remains criminal at the federal level under US Code.
"Whether a mariner is a cadet carelessly indulging in recreational use of marijuana in a location where it is legal at the state level or a master aboard an oceangoing vessel that used legally-obtained [Cannabidiol oil] ointment to treat bodily aches and pains, the resulting positive drug test will lead to the same cascade of negative consequences that can be difficult to overcome."
