Recent Legislative Action Improves Military CBD Access But Falls Short

While the recently proposed amendments in this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) help advance access to CBD, sources tell Benzinga that more is needed for veterans and service members to use cannabinoids without consequence.

Two amendments proposed in July 2020 address cannabis and active duty service members.

A measure introduced by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, an Army veteran, allows service members to use CBD and other hemp-based options. Currently, active-duty members can lose their careers over a positive test.

The amendment passed the House of Representatives at a 336-71 vote.

Gabbard's amendment counters a February Department of Defense order banning active duty and reserve members from using hemp-derived products.

The second cannabis amendment to pass came from Representative and Marine veteran Ruben Gallego, which permits military members to reenlist after admitting to using cannabis. The amendment also allows those with a misdemeanor cannabis conviction on their record to reenlist.

The amendments appear to be well-received among service members and veterans, while many say the action lacks what is needed to truly improve access for America's military members.

Brice Hagood, an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, said the memories of war linger — like a weight on his shoulders. He lives with PTSD, anxiety and depression.

CBD has been within reach of veterans for some time, according to Hagood. However, with lingering stigmas and threats of losing their career, many abstain or keep their use to themselves.

"With the anxiety of being 'caught' present, people don't openly discuss it," Hagood said.

Joshua Wall is an Army veteran, serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Wall is now the chief operating officer and co-owner of Harvest Connect/Graceleaf.

Wall supports the amendments, saying that the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has often frowned upon CBD.

While he believes the decision pushes the VA to reconsider its policies, Wall did acknowledge the various state laws regarding medical cannabis, and how some states continue to prohibit CBD use.

Considering the current rules an imbalance, Wall believes every service member should have access. "We all took the same oath, regardless of state."

Craig Henderson, a veteran infantry member and founder of Extract Labs, also acknowledged the amendments' progress.

"Change has to start somewhere, and the current legislation making the rounds is a great place to start," he said. "It is great to see some acknowledgment by lawmakers that CBD should be an option on the table for veterans and active service members."

Also, the VA often prescribes addictive painkillers, over natural alternatives, he explained.

"Whether they are struggling with common physical pains or trying to find relief from things like PTSD, veterans want a natural remedy to help them feel well without venturing down the slippery slope that comes with starting on painkillers," he added.

More Is Needed

The recent initiatives only address a portion of the veteran population, according to Steve Danyluk, a retired Marine and founder of Warfighter Hemp.

"The recent amendment pertaining to hemp products that Representative Gabbard attached to the NDAA only addresses the 1.3 million troops who are on active duty and does nothing to address the 20 million veterans in the country," Danyluk stated.

Army veteran Hagood also believes the efforts are a "big step" for those struggling, but they fail to come through the channels that most influence his community, namely the VA.

As such, Hagood expects veterans like himself to hold off on consuming CBD until a military greenlight is given.

"If the legislators pushed for CBD prescriptions through the VA, it would have a more significant impact on those most affected by trauma," Hagood said.

Related links:
Congress Allows Troops To Use CBD Products
Why Veterans Are Starting Cannabis Businesses: 'We Are Prepared To Move In Any Direction'