Key takeaways
- As of 2020, the Military Times reported that although CBD is federally legal for civilians, the Pentagon strictly prohibits its use among active duty and reserve military members.
- The military does not test for CBD.
- The U.S. military typically tests for THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, during routine drug testing.
- CBD products derived from hemp can contain trace amounts of THC, and the cumulative THC in a person's system could potentially trigger a positive result on a drug test.
- Most drug tests do not specifically check for other cannabinoids like CBN (cannabinol), CBG (cannabigerol), CBC (cannabichromene), or CBD (cannabidiol).
- CBD might be detectable in urine for up to three days after a single use, but this can vary
Military personnel face physically and mentally demanding tasks in their roles, making the potential benefits of CBD particularly appealing. If you're in uniform, you might wonder about the federal legality of CBD for military use. In this article we would discuss commonly asked questions around CBD use in the military.
Is CBD permitted in the military?
As of 2020, the Military Times reported that although CBD is federally legal for civilians, the Pentagon strictly prohibits its use among active duty and reserve military members. This prohibition, extending to the Navy and Marine Corps, is based on concerns that hemp-derived products could interfere with drug test results.
In line with this stance, the Army's CBD policy for 2020 strictly prohibits the use of CBD products, regardless of their claimed or actual THC concentration, and irrespective of their legal status for civilians.
Does the military test for CBD?
No! The U.S. military typically tests for THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, during routine drug testing. While drug tests are not specifically designed to detect CBD, they may still indirectly identify its presence. CBD products derived from hemp can contain trace amounts of THC, and the cumulative THC in a person's system could potentially trigger a positive result on a drug test.
Due to the potential for CBD products to contain THC and impact drug test results, the military has taken a strict stance against the use of CBD among active duty and reserve military personnel. The goal is to maintain the effectiveness of drug testing programs and ensure the readiness of individual service members and military units. As a result, military members are generally advised to avoid using CBD products to prevent any complications with drug tests and to comply with military regulations.
Will CBD make you fail a drug test?
CBD itself is not typically tested for in standard drug tests. However, CBD products can sometimes contain trace amounts of THC. If a CBD product has enough THC and you consume it regularly or in large quantities, it may lead to a positive result on a drug test for THC.
Most CBD products derived from hemp are legally required to contain less than 0.3% THC. While this amount is generally considered too low to produce psychoactive effects, it could still accumulate in the body over time, potentially leading to a positive drug test result. If you are subject to drug testing and are concerned about potential THC exposure from CBD products, it's crucial to choose CBD products from reputable sources that provide detailed information about their THC content. Additionally, some people opt for CBD isolates or broad-spectrum CBD products, which typically have little to no THC.
However, it's essential to note that regulations and testing protocols can vary, and the safest approach for individuals subject to drug testing in sensitive positions, such as in the military, is to avoid CBD products altogether or to consult with their healthcare provider for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Other Cannabinoids like CBN, CBG, CBC, etc Show up On A Drug Test?
Drug tests typically target specific cannabinoids, and the most common test looks for the presence of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Most drug tests do not specifically check for other cannabinoids like CBN (cannabinol), CBG (cannabigerol), CBC (cannabichromene), or CBD (cannabidiol).
However, it's important to note that some full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, as well as other cannabinoids. The trace THC in these products, even if within legal limits (usually less than 0.3% THC in the United States), could potentially accumulate over time and lead to a positive drug test result for THC.
How long does CBD stay in the body?
CBD can stay in a person's system from hours to about a month, and the duration varies based on factors such as frequency of use, method of consumption, and individual differences. Generally, occasional users may eliminate CBD more quickly than regular users. The method of taking CBD, whether through inhalation, ingestion, or other means, can also influence how long it stays in the body. Individual factors like metabolism, body weight, and overall health play a role in the metabolism and elimination of CBD. As a broad estimate, CBD might be detectable in urine for up to three days after a single use, but this can vary. It's important to consider that drug testing thresholds and methodologies differ, and these are general guidelines rather than strict rules. If there are concerns about drug testing or the duration of CBD in the system, consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance is advisable.
Want to Learn More?
- CBDa Is Not a Drug — It's a Natural, Hemp-Derived Compound
- 7 Eye-Opening Facts about the Endocannabinoid System and Hemp Oil
- CBD and Martial Arts
- CBD for Panic Attacks
- CBD for Muscle Spasms
Sources
Evans DG. Medical Fraud, Mislabeling, Contamination: All Common in CBD Products. Mo Med. 2020 Sep-Oct;117(5):394-399. PMID: 33311737; PMCID: PMC7723146.
Johnson E, Kilgore M, Babalonis S. Cannabidiol (CBD) product contamination: Quantitative analysis of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) concentrations found in commercially available CBD products. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2022 Aug 1;237:109522. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109522. Epub 2022 Jun 3. PMID: 35690015; PMCID: PMC9899037.
Bannigan, P., Evans, J. C., & Allen, C. (2022). Shifting the Paradigm on Cannabis Safety. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 7(1), 3-10. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0003
Sachs J, McGlade E, Yurgelun-Todd D. Safety and Toxicology of Cannabinoids. Neurotherapeutics. 2015 Oct;12(4):735-46. doi: 10.1007/s13311-015-0380-8. PMID: 26269228; PMCID: PMC4604177.
Solmi, M., De Toffol, M., Kim, J. Y., Choi, M. J., Stubbs, B., Thompson, T., Firth, J., Miola, A., Croatto, G., Baggio, F., Michelon, S., Ballan, L., Gerdle, B., Monaco, F., Simonato, P., Scocco, P., Ricca, V., Castellini, G., Fornaro, M., … Dragioti, E. (2023). Balancing risks and benefits of cannabis use: umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials and observational studies. In BMJ (p. e072348). BMJ. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-072348
