Oklahoma Senator Calls for Reversal of Border Patrol’s Marijuana Policy
In a bold move, Oklahoma Republican Senator James Lankford is demanding that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reverse its recent policy change regarding past marijuana use for Border Patrol agent recruits. Lankford, who serves as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Governmental Operations and Border Management, sent a letter to CBP’s senior official urging them to restore the previous two-year lookback period for marijuana usage among recruits.
The current policy implemented by CBP prohibits applicants from having used marijuana within the 90 days prior to applying to work for the agency. This change, which was recently made, has raised concerns for Lankford, who believes it undermines the security and integrity of the Border Patrol workforce.
CBP has cited confusion between federal and state laws in states where marijuana has been legalized as the reason for the policy change. However, Lankford argues that as a federal agency, CBP must ensure that its personnel comply with federal laws regarding controlled substances.
The senator also highlighted the potential risks associated with recruits who admit to past marijuana usage during polygraph tests, noting that they often also reveal other disqualifying criminal conduct. This, according to Lankford, poses a threat to the agency’s mission of stopping the flow of illicit drugs and illegal immigration across the borders.
With the border becoming a significant issue across the country, especially heading into the November election, Lankford’s call for the reversal of CBP’s marijuana policy is sure to spark further debate and discussion on the matter.
