When Donald Trump signed the Farm Bill in 2018, the cannabis industry changed dramatically. It opened the door to several important questions, like ‘Does the Military Test for CBD?’ The answer to that question is not necessarily. There are several layers to military drug testing that you should understand first.
Countless studies on CBD’s multiple benefits have nudged consumers, who prefer to avoid prescription opiates, in the direction of CBD. Active-duty military members are just one group amongst many who turn to CBD for general wellness. Since military members must take drug tests, many wonder how CBD and drug tests function in their line of work.
Military Drug Policy Overview
The United States military enforces a strict drug policy designed to protect the safety, security, and operational readiness of all service members. Governed by federal law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), this policy prohibits the use of controlled substances, including marijuana and hemp-derived products such as CBD. Even though CBD products are widely available and legal in many states, their use is still considered prohibited for military personnel due to the risk of a positive drug test.
Military drug testing is a routine and essential part of service life. Service members are subject to random drug testing based on their specific roles and security clearances, ensuring that the armed forces remain free from the risks associated with drug use. The presence of any prohibited substance, even in trace amounts, can lead to a positive drug test and serious consequences under military justice. This zero-tolerance approach extends to all hemp-derived products, regardless of their legal status outside the military.
Will CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
The question of whether CBD will show up on a drug test is quite complex because not all CBD products are the same. In general, drug tests do not specifically screen for CBD, as it is a legal substance that does not induce intoxication. CBD is considered non-psychotropic, meaning it does not produce a high.
Military drug tests screen for THC metabolites, not CBD. However, the military does test for THC, and some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC. To fully understand this answer, we must discuss the three types of CBD products: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Each has various properties that will affect a drug test differently.
Full Spectrum
Full-spectrum CBD products contain all of the compounds found in the cannabis plant, including terpenes and other cannabinoids. These compounds are derived from the cannabis sativa plant, which is the primary source for most CBD products. The combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds produces the “entourage effect.” The entourage effect refers to the maximum benefits a user gets when all of the compounds of the cannabis plant work together. With full-spectrum products, users are more likely to feel the synergistic effects of CBD.
Typically, a full-spectrum product will give consumers the most benefits since it contains all the compounds of the cannabis plant, which include THC. That means full-spectrum CBD will help users absorb all the goodness associated with cannabis, without feeling any psychoactive effects. If you are taking a full-spectrum CBD product, a military test might pick up on it if they are testing for THC. However, the chances of that occurring are slim to none.
Related Article: How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
Broad Spectrum
Broad-spectrum CBD products contain most of the compounds found in the cannabis plant. In broad-spectrum products, there are no traces of THC. Some products are labeled as 'zero THC,' but labeling inaccuracies mean there is still a risk of THC presence. However, broad-spectrum CBD contains various cannabinoids that consumers can still benefit from.
Although it won’t be as beneficial as taking a full-spectrum CBD product. If you are using a broad-spectrum CBD product, a drug test will come back negative for THC. This is an excellent choice for those who might need to take a drug test or those who might be nervous about using CBD with trace amounts of THC.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD on the market. It is free of all other compounds, which results in a 99% pure product. There is no entourage effect with CBD isolate. This product offers the fewest benefits of the three CBD products. Still, CBD isolate is a great choice for those looking for the purest form of the product. When buying CBD isolate, consumers should check that it is 99% pure.
However, it's important to note that product labels advertised as "pure" or "THC-free" may not always be accurate. A study found that only 31% of CBD product labels accurately reflected their CBD content, and 21% contained THC despite being labeled as THC-free. This highlights the risk of relying solely on product labels and the potential consequences for military personnel if the content they reflect is not verified.
So, Does the Military Normally Test for CBD?
No, the military does not test for CBD. However, they do test for THC. So, if you are nervous about a military drug test, it’s best to stay away from full-spectrum products. All branches of the military have issued guidance on their zero-tolerance policy regarding CBD use.
Given the sensitive nature of drug testing in the military, understanding the legality of CBD oil for federal employees, particularly within the armed forces, is of paramount importance. The Official Page for the US Army advises against using CBD products. Military branches differ in enforcing the CBD policy by applying a uniform ban while implementing distinct enforcement and communication strategies.
They are cautious of CBD products that may have trace amounts of THC, such as full-spectrum products. “The most recent Army Regulation 600-85 regarding the use of hemp products – dated Nov. 28, 2016 –makes it clear that Soldiers’ use of marijuana or any compound or derivative of it is strictly prohibited in the Uniform Code of Military Justice,” states the US Army. The only permitted use of CBD in the military is for the FDA-approved prescription medication Epidiolex, and it requires a valid prescription from a military medical provider.
Consequences of Drug Use
The consequences of drug use in the military are significant and can have a lasting impact on both a service member’s career and personal life. A failed drug test, whether due to marijuana, other marijuana components, or even trace amounts of THC from CBD products, can result in immediate disciplinary action.
Military personnel who test positive for THC or other prohibited substances may face a range of disciplinary measures, from administrative separation to court-martial under the zero-tolerance policy. The use of CBD products is particularly risky, as product labels may not always accurately reflect THC content, increasing the chance of a positive test result.
Can CBD Be Effective for Military Personnel?
CBD can be useful for everyone, military personnel included. Members of the military are often exposed to high-stress situations, uneven sleep patterns, nerves, and physical discomfort, which can all throw their bodies off balance. Research suggests that CBD may positively influence the ECS, promoting balance.
Veterans are allowed to use CBD, but they cannot access it through prescriptions from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
What Are the Benefits of Military Personnel Using CBD Products?
CBD can benefit anyone, but service members may especially enjoy the many potential benefits of consuming CBD products. Military members are frequently exposed to high-stress situations, both physically and mentally, which can cause soreness, nervous behaviors, and general backlash from stressful work life. Some of the benefits that taking CBD can potentially grant its consumers include:
- Relieves muscle soreness
- Calms nervousness & relaxes mood
- Encourages natural sleep
- Promotes healthy appetite & digestion
- Relieves discomfort from the head & body
Military personnel are responsible for what they ingest, and trusting product labels can result in severe disciplinary action.
Why Military Personnel Should Buy Broad-Spectrum CBD
We recommend that military members only buy broad-spectrum CBD products to avoid any positive drug tests for THC! There is currently a zero-tolerance policy for any marijuana or THC product for all military personnel. Broad-spectrum products do not contain any THC at all, compared to full-spectrum CBD products, which will have up to 0.3% THC.
Although these tiny amounts of THC are usually not enough to trigger a positive drug test, consistently consuming full-spectrum products could potentially lead to a build-up of THC. Because military drug screenings do not directly test for CBD, it is not a risk factor when getting drug tested. As such, broad-spectrum CBD products reduce the risk of a positive test, so be sure to keep an eye out for the product labels for it!
Which Cheef Botanicals CBD Products Are Best?
Cheef Botanicals has a wide range of high-quality CBD-infused products available, so many that you might find yourself asking, “What CBD product is best for me?” CBD can be found in a variety of products, including food, baked goods, gummy bears, bath salts, pet products, and pet treats, and military personnel should be cautious as these products may contain THC.
The answer to this question is not so straightforward, as it is determined by several factors: what the CBD is being used for, where you would like to consume it, and even enjoyment should be considered!
The Best CBD Products For Military Personnel
Here are some of our recommendations for CBD products for military personnel! Remember that broad-spectrum products are highly recommended to avoid any THC entering the system.
- CBD Vape Carts: Vaping is one of the most popular broad-spectrum options overall due to its convenient size, low-profile nature, and rich CBD content. Vape pens use all-natural terpenes, heated by a battery device until they are vaporized and ready for inhalation.
- Topical CBD Products: Topical products can help give your hard-working muscles and joints a well-deserved treatment. Topical products influence the endocannabinoid system (ECS) locally to provide powerful relief to specific problem areas.
- CBD Edibles: CBD edibles are another great option for those who want something tasty. Edibles often come in capsules, softgels, tinctures, or delicious gummies! Additionally, edibles are very low-profile and are unlikely to draw any undesired attention from their consumption.
Final Thoughts on Military Tests for CBD
CBD for active-duty military members, who are concerned about drug tests, can be a great choice. However, for those worried that CBD might affect their military drug test, steering clear of full-spectrum CBD is their best bet. A 2017 study by Marcel Bonn-Miller, Ph.D., found that many CBD products are inaccurately labeled and may contain undisclosed levels of THC, increasing the risk of a positive drug test for military service members.
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