The Department of Defense is warning troops about the risk of being accidentally exposed to THC or synthetic cannabinoids while using CBD products.
In a command message on the American Forces Network, officials from the Department of Defense (DOD) warn military members that even though CBD products are not supposed to have more than 0.3 percent THC, there’s no way to determine whether this is accurate or not. Especially considering how often products are mislabeled in this industry.
“There have also been cases of CBD products that contain synthetic cannabinoids,” said Patricia Deuster, a professor in the Department of Military and Emergency Medicine at Uniformed Services University. “CBD isn’t psychoactive but if it is adulterated it could contain psychoactive ingredients,” she said.
Some branches of the military, such as Navy and Marines, allow servicemembers to use hemp products
During a two-month period last year, military bases throughout the United States reported more than 100 medical incidents related to fake or improperly labeled CBD products. The servicemen suffered symptoms ranging from increased heart rates to hallucinations and many ended up in the emergency room.
However, when it comes to real, legitimate CBD, many military members (current and former) are still firm believers that they work wonders. Take Nate Atwood, a former civilian defense worker at Misawa Air Base, Japan, and Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. He has been using CBD products to treat pain and inflammation. “I would definitely recommend it for anyone who has problems with inflammation, including arthritis and backpain,” he said. “You can easily replace Motrin and most other over-the-counter pills, and a lot of pharmaceutical pain pills as well. I’m living proof of that.”
Either way, military regulations prohibit members of the Army and Air Force from consuming any hemp products. The Navy and Marines allow servicemembers to use such products but maintain that they are doing so at their own risk because they are “consuming foods and products that might cause them to fail a drug test.”
And a failed drug test in the military, regardless of the reason behind it, is a definite career ender.
