By the Numbers: 4 December 2017

By the Numbers: 4 December 2017

By the Numbers Graphic

500+

The number of waivers issued by the active duty Army in 2017 for previous marijuana use among recruits, according to an article published earlier this week in Army Times -- Smoked pot and want to enlist? Army issuing more waivers.

The marijuana use exclusions represent about one-quarter of the total misconduct waivers the Army granted in the budget year that ended Sept. 30. They accounted for much of the 50 percent increase overall in recruits who needed a waiver for some type of misconduct.

In 2016, the number of waivers granted for marijuana use was 161, according to the story, which noted, "The big increase is just one way officials are dealing with orders to expand the Army’s size." Another consideration -- more states are legalizing recreational marijuana or decriminalizing its use.

According to the article, more than 8,000 waivers were granted to recruits in 2017, compared to 6,700 in 2016. "Most waivers concerned physical or mental health," the article said.