SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen last night approved adding a medical marijuana use policy to the police department.
Police Chief Mark Krynicki presented the policy to the board last week for consideration. It states that anyone who transports or receives medical marijuana cannot possess a firearm, including a police officer.
Krynicki acknowledged that voters approved medical marijuana use, but “under federal law, it’s still illegal,” he said.
The board sought an opinion from legal counsel before approving the policy request. Attorney Fred Dupre found the policy to be legal and recommended it be added to police policies.
Krynicki told the board the policy was reviewed by the police union and “it has no objection.”
“This is just a housekeeping method to deal with this should something come down the road,” said Krynicki.
Police Lt. David Ricardi said under federal law, marijuana possession is illegal, and anyone in possession of an illegal substance cannot possess a firearm. This applies to caregivers as well.
“You can be in possession of marijuana as a caretaker of someone taking it for medical purposes,” said Ricardi.
According to federal law, marijuana is a “Schedule I controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act, It is on the most restricted schedule, along with such drugs as heroin, LSD or ecstasy.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that marijuana has a high potential for abuse, has no accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and lacks an accepted level of safety for use under medical supervision.
The policy adopted this week reminds police employees that use of marijuana is prohibited both on or off the job.
It also states that employees “shall not apply for, possess or use a medical marijuana registration card for themselves or others” and “shall not apply for or serve as a caregiver for a person in possession of a medical marijuana certificate or registration card.”
