Sen. Lankford Urges CBP to Revert Marijuana Policy Change

The policy reducing ineligibility for past marijuana use from two years to three months is criticized for compromising border security.

Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) has demanded the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to reverse its recent policy change, which reduces the ineligibility period for employment due to past marijuana use from two years to three months.
Lankford argues that the policy undermines the security and integrity of the Border Patrol workforce, potentially enabling criminal organizations and threatening border security.
The senator highlights the contradiction between CBP's mission to combat illegal drug trafficking and the relaxation of rules concerning marijuana use among recruits.
Lankford also raises concerns about the potential links between licensed cannabis businesses and corruption, as well as the association between marijuana use and mental health issues.
The policy change has sparked a broader debate on federal versus state law compliance, with 24 states, two territories, and Washington, D.C., having enacted legislation to regulate marijuana for non-medical purposes.