Dakota, Robyn; I don't doubt either of your experiences.
Mine is somewhere between the two.
I have personally sat down and smoked large quantities of pot with fighter pilots[Top Gun types]. These guys were fresh out of the Academy and in training. They smoked frequently. Once we were interrupted by their XO[a CDR], I don't think anything was ever said because nothing to my knowledge came of it.
In my experience, I at different times worked in the maint. of fighter aircraft, most of the enlisted[e-7 and below] were drug users of one type or the other. Many times I saw people take "acid", [orange barrels were popular then] and then engage in the launch and recovery of aircraft on carrier flight decks[A VERY dangerous place,even when everything went well]. Seconol[ RED DEVILS] were also popular as was Hashish. Thai stics were a fovorite when available and cheap[ a fist full cost about $1 and would make you see Jesus in technicolor, great stuff].
In my last assignment, one fellow I worked with carried his daily supply of pot in and out the main gate in a brown grocery bag. Alway had a pound or so. He went on to become a highly sucessful recruiter. They had started "piss" testing people by then, only problem with this was any one over 30[or comissioned] was exempt. Lucky me!!!
My life, personally, was a mess. Although a drug user/abuser, Alcohol was my preference. It was legal and morally acceptable to the service, and in some instances...Encouraged.
There are many different situations to be looked at. You are both correct and there are many stories inbetween.
Mike{of the presently clean and sober class]