JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Marijuana may be legal in Alaska, but pot fairs are still off-limits to about 11,000 members of the Army stationed here.
Officials with U.S. Army Alaska say in a release Thursday that Alaska-based soldiers are forbidden from attending any marijuana, cannabis or hemp fairs, festivals, conventions or similar events.
The letter from Maj. Gen. Bryan Owens says attendance at such events is inconsistent with military service and could adversely impact the health, welfare and good order and discipline of soldiers.
"We're trying to make sure that we do everything that we can to keep the soldiers informed of what would get them in trouble," John Pennell, chief of media relations for U.S. Army Alaska, told the Alaska Dispatch News.
The policy was put in place as a pre-emptive move, Pennell said, and also because a few cannabis organizations in Alaska have offered military discounts.
"It's well-meaning people who are trying to reach out because they support the soldiers and their families," Pennell said.
The policy notes that marijuana remains illegal in the military, and those who use, have or distribute marijuana or any derivative on an Alaska base are in violation the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
