In July of this year, the long-standing zero tolerance for cannabis policy has been officially challenged, as the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favour and approved an amendment that would allow veterans and military members to use CBD.
The amendment states: “Secretary of Defense may not prohibit, on the basis of a product containing hemp or any ingredient derived from hemp, the possession, use, or consumption of such product by a member of the Armed Forces” under the condition that “such possession, use, or consumption is in compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local law.”
Iraq war veteran Rep. Tulsi Gabbard enacted the amendment in response to an announcement made by the Department of Defense (DOD) earlier in 2020 forbidding CBD use by service members.
The debate over CBD usage for veterans and military members has been ongoing with strong opinions on both sides of the debate, as the DOD has been clear on their stance against any cannabis consumption, even though CBD is legal federally. Since the DOD’s announcement, different military branches have issued their own conflicting CBD policies.
The Fuss About CBD Products
The main issue has been over the fact that CBD products can contain small traces of THC.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the many cannabinoids that are in cannabis. THC is the principal psychoactive chemical that affects cognitive function and gives you the high. Legally, the industry standard for THC concentration in CBD products is less than 0.3% THC by weight. This means that a CBD product may, legally, be advertised as “THC free”–when they do, in fact, contain THC.
The Substances Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration stated in their 2019 guidelines that since theoretically any CBD product could contain THC and it is not always clear which products do or don’t, therein lies the issue, and that is why the DOD released a blanket statement denouncing CBD use.
How to Determine THC Amount
It is important for the buyer to be aware of the above-mentioned issue and understand that many CBD products can have THC in them, even those labeled “Zero THC” or “THC free”. Determining the actual THC amount in the CBD product you are using is an important step to consider when sussing out quality, safe and effective products from the rest.
If this seems to you like false advertising since your “THC free” CBD product could actually have THC in it, we don’t blame you if it makes you wonder if there really is such a thing as 100% THC free CBD?
Can a company guarantee that a bottle of CBD is 100% THC free?
And, that answer is: Yes!
In order to determine if a product is within the legal limit, whenever you buy CBD products, you must buy from a company that has Certificates of Analysis (COA) that you can easily and readily review. A COA is a document issued by quality assurance that confirms that a regulated product meets its product specifications. Only reputable manufacturers will have their products tested by third-party labs and clearly present the COAs for consumers to view.
The COA is the only way that a company can guarantee that their CBD products are 100% THC free. The market is flooded with hundreds of CBD companies– there is no other conclusive evidence for consumers to weed (pun intended?) through the false companies.
Congress Approves CBD Use For Military Members
Advocating for CBD in the Military
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was elected in 2013, and right from the start has made a stand for cannabis reform in Congress. In 2019, Gabbard filed the “Hemp for Victory Act” bill, which was a demand for study of vast array of hemp-derived applications of cannabis; from CBD treatment for veterans with PTSD to even using CBD products to help remove contaminants from nuclear sites.
The issue of CBD and cannabis products used by military members and veterans has been a controversial topic for decades, but lawmakers, senators and others are slowly changing their minds and views on CBD. Also, in 2019, Senators from California, Iowa and Hawaii introduced the “Cannabidiol and Marijuana Research Expansion Act”, a bill to encourage scientific and medical research on marijuana and its compounds, including CBD.
More Good News for Military Members
Included in the bills that went through in July was good news for military members who admitted to using marijuana in the past. If the senate approves this bill, it means that the heads of military branches would be permitted to allow military members who used marijuana to reenlist.
The measure states that, within 90 days of the enactment of the bill, the Secretary of Defense:
1. “shall prescribe regulations that permit any Secretary of a military department to grant a reenlistment waiver to a covered person if the Secretary determines that the reenlistment of that covered person is vital to the national interest.”
2. Service members who have “admitted to or been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of a single violation… of any law of a State or the United States relating to the use or possession of cannabis” would be covered, as long as it’s a misdemeanor offense and did not occur during active duty.
CBD Use in Veterans & Military Members: the Future
Our vision for Patriot Supreme is for no veteran, military member and their family to suffer from the aftermaths of serving our country. Our vision is that veterans should not have to suffer in silence but instead live a quality, healthy life as a civilian. We believe CBD should be available for all veterans and are excited for the progressive steps our country is making in regards to CBD and are so glad Congress approves CBD use for military members.
Keep in mind, before you buy a CBD product, do your due diligence! Every single Patriot Supreme product has the COA available for you to review. If you have any concerns, consider reaching out and asking any questions you may have.
Getting a CBD product that has had 100% of the THC removed is possible. If your job, freedom, or livelihood is on the line, and dependent on a THC free product, then it is not worth the risk of buying a sub-par product. Quality is key when it comes to CBD. View all our COAs for all our different CBD products for peace of mind today.
