Question

Weed Apparel on Army base?

I live on Fort Knox in Kentucky, I am the 14 yr old daughter of a colonel on Fort Knox. I was wearing leggings with many (20) large pot leaves as the design on the leggings.
I was at the PX (Exchange), leaving the store, I was “greeted” by a man in uniform, I believe a staff sergeant. He spoke to me with a VERY aggressive tone and said “I could detain you for this!” And that “You cannot wear that as it is illegal!” I began by saying “really?!” In a very respectful calm voice and he began to say “Do not disrespect me young lady” still he was very disrespectful. At this point I am freaking out because I think I’m going to get my father in trouble.
I won’t wear these leggings again on base.
However I want to know, is he just trying to freak me out so I won’t wear these anymore? Or is wearing apparel that displays weed (marijuana) or a pot leaf actually illegal on a military base?
(Yes I am young and no I don’t smoke weed but I was wearing these because they were given to me by a friend)
opinions aside, what is the law?

Answer 1

Military bases often have a dress code for the public government buildings. These dress codes vary depending on the military base and sometimes can become even more strict if the base is being visited by a high-ranking government official. Often these dress codes are posted outside of the public building. Most of the time the dress code is about wearing pajamas or bathing suits, but they may also contain rules against wearing anything that promotes something that is considered illegal by base rules. Even though marijuana is legal in some states, it's not in places run by the federal government - like military bases. Since the leggings "advertise" what is considered an illegal substance they could be considered against the dress code.

The best advice for what to wear on base is to only wear what you think would be appropriate at school. This is generally the best way to judge whether or not you're dressed appropriately for the public spaces.