Navy to Sailors: Stay away from the CBD

CBD may be everywhere, but the Navy warns sailors and marines not to hang out.

Farm Bill 2018 loosened the restrictions on the cultivation of hemp that has led to the spread of cannabidiol-based products, which some advocates alleviate a variety of ailments, including chronic pain, anxiety and inflammation, as well as helping people sleep.

However, it has not yet been proven that the claims about CBD products are without consumer. These products are largely unregulated or tested by the Food and Drug Administration, the Navy said in a service-wide announcement earlier this week. As a result, ingredients may be unknown and some products may contain higher concentrations of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, which gives a high.

And that can lead to positive urinalysis.

"It may be impossible to determine where a CBD or hemp product was produced and what level of THC it may contain," the Navy said in a news release. "Even trace amounts of THC can accumulate in the body and be detected by a urinalysis screening."

Hemp plants contain CBD and THC. To be considered hemp, the plant can contain no more than 0.3% THC.

The name policy limiting the use of hemp and marijuana products has not changed, but in light of recent federal legislation and a patchwork of state laws that have legalized different uses for civilians, the service reminds personnel of its zero-tolerance, said the Navy spokesman Lt. jg Stuart Phillips sa.

"There may be confusion among sailors because some of these products are legal for civilians in some states," Phillips said.

In Virginia, registered patients can use medical marijuana extracts from state-approved dispensaries, but they are not yet open.

The ban does not apply to service members with prescriptions or the use of shampoo, conditioner, creams or soaps containing CBD because there is no scientific evidence that these products can cause a positive test for THC, Sa Phillips said.

Failure to comply with the policy may result in administrative or disciplinary action, including other than honorable proof of responsibility. The Navy is also reporting illegal drug use to the FBI, Phillips said.

This article was written by Courtney Mabeus of The Virginian-Pilot and was legally licensed through the Tribune Content Agency through the NewsCred publishing network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com.

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