Major William Norgard, an Army Reserve officer, is facing potential discharge after being reprimanded for owning a state-licensed cannabis dispensary in New York. The military disciplined him for possessing and selling marijuana under federal law, despite his business being legal in New York and him passing drug tests.

Norgard was taken into custody at a German military base, fingerprinted, and briefly detained before being sent home to await his fate. The reprimand could prevent his promotion to lieutenant colonel, jeopardize his security clearance, and lead to dishonorable discharge. His lawyer, Christopher Nuneviller, called it unprecedented for the military to punish someone solely for owning a legal cannabis business.

The case highlights the conflict between state and federal marijuana laws, with over 40 states legalizing cannabis while the federal government still classifies it as illegal. Former military lawyers argue the Army's stance is inconsistent with the Department of Justice's hands-off approach to state-compliant cannabis businesses. Norgard, who joined the Reserves in 2008, plans to appeal the decision.