US Army Tightens Substance Abuse Regulations, Banning Delta-8 THC, Warns Against Poppy Seeds

The U.S. Army has introduced new policies aimed at reducing substance misuse among soldiers, with a notable ban on the cannabis concentrate delta-8 THC and a warning to avoid poppy seeds.

These updates, made on October 4, are part of broader Army regulations designed to address drug and alcohol abuse while reinforcing oversight and training within military ranks, reported Patty Nieberg‘s article in the specialized magazine Task And Purpose.

Delta-8 THC: A Growing Concern Not Only Among Civilians

Hemp-derived products are the center of an ongoing national regulative debate across the U.S.

One of the synthetic compounds, Delta-8 THC, is now becoming an issue in the Army, leading to an increase in failed drug tests among soldiers. Thus, the Army’s newly released substance abuse policy includes an explicit ban on delta-8 THC, which was in a grey area due to a loophole in the Farm Bill.

In addition to the ban on delta-8, soldiers are advised to avoid food products containing poppy seeds, as some may contain elevated levels of morphine and codeine, which could trigger red flags in a drug test.

Read Also: U.S. Army Invests $1.9M To Develop Hemp-Manufactured Buildings For Military Operations

Other Substance Abuse Codes

Prescription drug misuse is also a key focus of the updated regulations.

Soldiers must now renew prescriptions within six months; any prescription used more than 12 months after the initial fill date is considered expired. Positive drug tests for such expired medications may lead to violations under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

The Army’s new guidelines also target underage drinking. Soldiers found consuming alcohol under the age of 21 may be referred to a two-day, 16-hour Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Training (ADAPT).

However, senior commanders retain the authority to permit underage drinking in specific circumstances to boost morale or foster camaraderie within units.

• Read Next: Soldiers And Cops Increasingly Allowed To Use Cannabis Globally, From South Africa To Canada, And More Global Updates

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