Scott officials warn against drug use Published April 21, 2016 Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 301 SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- St. Louis, aptly nicknamed "The Gateway City," is not only the path for many people to travel across the United States, but is also the path for many drugs take to travel from state to state. "In the past few years many drugs have been on the rise in the St. Louis area to include heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine," said Gregory A. Chambers, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 301 special agent. "While not all drugs are being transported from southern states, they are still an ever present danger to everyone in the St. Louis area." One problem faced by military members is the legalization of marijuana in various states along with medical marijuana increasing in popularity. In 2015, the Illinois government authorized the creation of medical marijuana dispensaries, which resulted in approximately 16 dispensaries being created, primarily surrounding Chicago and its suburbs. In addition to this, Alaska, Washington State, Oregon, Colorado, and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana with some stipulations such as age and amount a person can possess. Even with the legalization of recreational marijuana in a few states and medical marijuana in approximately 23 across the United States, military members still need to remember that drug use and abuse is still against the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and anyone violating this law will be prosecuted accordingly. For more information, call (618) 256-5473 or email afosidet301.all@us.af.mil.