Navy Employee’s Indefinite Suspension for Smoking Pot Upheld

The indefinite suspension of a U.S. Navy employee who lost his security clearance for smoking marijuana was upheld by the Federal Circuit Feb. 27.

The procedure used to suspended Shawn Hornseth, who worked at a Navy shipyard and had security clearance to work near nuclear vessels, didn’t violate due process, the opinion by Judge Alan D. Lourie said.

After a treatment facility sent the Navy a letter saying Hornseth used marijuana while he was employed, he received letters stating his security clearance and employment would be suspended.

Shipyard supervisor Charlie Combs was assigned to review the suspension decision. During his ...