Members of the United States Military are held to stricter standards than typical civilians, and there is no exception when it comes to illicit substances. All branches observe a no-tolerance policy when it comes to drugs and supplements that are on the military banned substance list. This can sometimes create conflict. Even substances that are legal in some locations are banned for those who serve. When such an extensive list of banned substances includes supplements or medications that are legal in your area, the chances of mishap increase. Such mishaps, though easy to fall into, can have drastic consequences.
If you’re in the military and are facing a drug charge in the Tacoma area, contact The Law Offices of Morgan Fletcher Benfield, PLLC. An experienced Tacoma military drug lawyer can make sure you know your options, and that your rights are not infringed.
Call (253) 518-3643 today, or reach out online to schedule a free consultation.
DEA Controlled Substances Banned by the Military
Military personnel are not allowed to use anything that appears on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s list of banned substances. This includes:
- Marijuana
- Spice
- Amphetamines
- Anabolic Steroids
- Synthetic Cannabinoids
- Other mood-altering substances
Other substances military members are banned from using are prescription drugs not prescribed to the user and certain weight-loss medications. Of particular note is marijuana; though recreational use of cannabis has been legalized in Washington since 2012, it remains off-limits to those in the U.S. Military.
Dietary Supplements Also on Military Banned Substance List
If you’re in the military, you are prohibited from using these dietary supplements and pre-workout products:
- Acacia Rigidula
- Aconite
- Aegeline
- Aromatase Inhibitors
- Betaphrine
- BMPEA
- Cannabidiol (a compound found in the marijuana plant, sometimes used in dietary supplements and pharmaceutical medications)
- DMAA
- DMBA
- Ephedra
- HCG
- HGH
- IGF
- Kratom
- Methylsynephrine
- Phenibut
- Picamilon
- Pseudoephedrin (most commonly known as Sudafed)
- Racetams
- Redotex
- Salvia Divinorum
- SARM
Many of these products are common in a wide variety of workout and dietary supplements. Their complex chemical nature can make it difficult to know for sure whether they are present in a supplement you are taking. If you are facing ramifications because a supplement you are taking is banned by the military, contact a Tacoma military drug lawyer today.
Drug Crimes in Washington
While recreational marijuana is legal in Washington, its use is still heavily-regulated. Washington law dictates you must be 21 to purchase or use marijuana legally. It is a crime in Washington to possess more than one ounce of marijuana, 16 ounces of a solid marijuana-infused product, or 72 ounces of a marijuana-infused liquid. It is also illegal to possess marijuana paraphernalia.
Drug crimes in Washington are not limited to possession. Prescription drug fraud is also recognized as a punishable offense under Washington law. This offense refers to the buying, selling, or distribution of prescription drugs by anyone who is not authorized to do so. Conviction of a drug charge in Washington can result in any number of penalties, which range from a short time in jail to a lengthy prison sentence and fines.
Criminal Defense for Military Members Facing Civilian Drug Charges
If you’re in the military and commit a criminal offense (such as a drug crime) in the scope of completing your job’s duties, you will likely face punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). However, if you were off-base or not on duty at the time of your alleged crime, you can be penalized under the laws of the state in which you were caught with, delivering, or manufacturing an illegal substance.
Minor misdemeanor drug offenses can be punished with 90 days to one year in jail, and up to $1,000 fines. A gross misdemeanor drug charge can result in up to 364 days in jail and as high as a $5,000 fine. Felony-level drug crimes are punishable with five years to life in prison, and fines of anywhere between $10,000 and $50,000. Because the penalties for even minor drug offenses are harsh, it’s important to retain the help of a skilled attorney as soon as possible after you’ve been charged to assist with your defense.
At The Law Offices of Morgan Fletcher Benfield, PLLC, we assist service members facing civilian drug charges. If you were caught with an illegal substance, contact us today for help.
Facing a Military Drug Charge? Find Out Your Rights
Facing a drug charge in the military is even more serious than facing a similar offense as a civilian. In addition to the possible penalties listed here, you may face additional punishment from your branch of service. If you’re facing a military drug charge, you need someone on your side who has knowledge of the military banned substance list. Attorney Morgan Fletcher Benfield knows your rights in military drug cases and will make sure you do, too.
If you have any questions about military drug charges or drug crimes in Washington, contact The Law Offices of Morgan Fletcher Benfield, PLLC at (253) 518-3643 today.
