CBD oil unauthorized for military members
By Airman 1st Class Destani K. Matheny, 20 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
/ Published July 11, 2019
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. – Congress passed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which removed hemp from the government’s list of controlled substances on Dec. 12, 2018.
As a result, different forms of cannabidiol (CBD) oil were introduced to the market. Despite increased availability, military members are not authorized to use, be in possession of, or sell CBD oil, according to the 20th Fighter Wing legal office.
According to a July 2018 article by Medical News Today, the best known compound in cannabis is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the active ingredient in marijuana.
Marijuana contains both THC and CBD, each compound having different effects on consumers.
THC creates a mind-altering "high" when a person smokes it or uses it in cooking. This is because THC breaks down when heat is applied and is absorbed into the body.
CBD is slightly different because, unlike THC, it is not psychoactive. This means CBD does not change a person's state of mind when they use it. CBD does, however, appear to produce significant changes in the body.
Some risks associated with the use of CBD oil are rashes, liver problems and breathing problems, according to Medical News Today.
According to Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-3208, Administrative Separation of Airman, paragraph 5.54.1, “Drug abuse for purposes of this regulation is the illegal, wrongful, or improper use, possession, sale, transfer, or introduction onto a military installation of any drug. THC is a Schedule I controlled substance. CBD oil and related products are thus prohibited under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and AFI 36-3208.”
Schedule I drugs have no accepted medical use and aren’t considered safe to use. They have a high potential for abuse and dependency, according to a July 2019 article by MedShadow, a non-profit organization with an advisory board of accredited Doctors.
As a result, military service members should avoid using any product with CBD, as it could contain THC and result in a positive drug test.
Military members need to also be vigilant when reading labels because CBD oil comes in forms of all shapes and sizes, from foods to candies to vape oils. Always be aware of what you are putting into your body.