Does the Military Test for CBD?

When Donald Trump signed the Farm Bill in 2018, the cannabis industry changed dramatically. It opened the door to several important questions like ‘Does the Military Test for CBD?’ The answer to that question is not necessarily. There are several layers to military drug testing you should understand first. Countless studies on CBD’s multiple benefits have nudged consumers, who prefer to avoid prescription opiates, in the direction of CBD. Active-duty military members are just one group amongst many who turn to CBD for general wellness. Since military members must take drug tests, many wonder how CBD and drug tests function in their line of work.

Will CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

Whether CBD will show up on a drug test or not, is a very complex subject, since all CBD is not equal. Simply put, the answer is no, drug tests do not look for CBD. There is no drug test that screens for CBD since it’s a legal chemical that does not cause intoxication. However, the military does test for THC and there are some CBD products that contain traces of it.

In order to fully understand this answer, we must discuss the three different types of CBD products: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Each has various properties that will affect a drug test differently.

Full Spectrum

Full-spectrum CBD products contain all of the compounds found in the cannabis plant, including terpenes and other cannabinoids. The combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds produce the “entourage effect.”

The entourage effect refers to the maximum benefits a user gets when all of the compounds of the cannabis plant work together. With full-spectrum products, users are more likely to feel the synergistic effects of CBD.

Typically, a full-spectrum product will give consumers the most benefits since it contains all the compounds of the cannabis plant, which includes THC. That means full-spectrum CBD will help users absorb all the goodness associated with cannabis, without feeling any psychoactive effects.

If you are taking a full spectrum CBD product, a military test might pick up on it if they are testing for THC. However, chances of that occurring are slim to none.

Related article: "How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?"

Broad Spectrum

Broad-spectrum CBD products contain most of the compounds found in the cannabis plant. In broad-spectrum products, there are no traces of THC. However, broad-spectrum CBD contains various cannabinoids that consumers can still benefit from. Although, it won’t be as beneficial as taking a full spectrum CBD product.

If you are using a broad spectrum CBD product, a drug test will come back negative for THC. This is an excellent choice for those who might need to take a drug test or those who might be nervous about using CBD with trace amounts of THC.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD on the market. It is free of all other compounds, which results in a 99% pure product. There is no entourage effect with CBD isolate.

This product offers the least amount of benefits of all three CBD products. Still, CBD isolate is a great choice for those looking for the purest form of the product. When buying a CBD isolate, consumers should check to make sure it is 99% pure.

So, Does the Military Test for CBD?

No, the military does not test for CBD. However, they do test for THC. So, if you are nervous about a military drug test, it’s best to stay away from full-spectrum products. Given the sensitive nature of drug testing in the military, understanding the legality of CBD oil for federal employees, particularly within the armed forces, is of paramount importance.

The Offical Page for the US Army advises against using CBD products. They are cautious of CBD products that may have trace amounts of THC, such as full-spectrum products.

“The most recent Army Regulation 600-85 regarding the use of hemp products — dated Nov. 28, 2016 –makes it clear that Soldiers’ use of marijuana or any compound or derivative of it is strictly prohibited in the Uniform Code of Military Justice,” states the US Army.

This was before Donald Trump signed the Farm Bill into law. Since then, broad-spectrum and isolate CBD products have flooded the market, giving military members more options to benefit from CBD use without worrying.

The Federal Government’s Stance on CBD

Under the Farm Bill, CBD is federally legal. The new law made hemp, which is cannabis containing under 0.3 percent THC, legal for purchase in all 50 states. Since it’s non-psychoactive and legal throughout the nation, the military does not test for CBD. However, it’s important to note that each state regulates CBD differently since some products might contain trace amounts of THC.

If it happens to be legal in your state, you will still need to meet the age requirements to purchase CBD. The age limit to use and purchase CBD will vary depending on the state you’re in.

In several states, you have to be at least twenty-one to purchase CBD. However, in some jurisdictions, anyone over eighteen is legally able to buy CBD products.

If you want to find out the exact legalities of CBD in your jurisdiction, the most reliable sources to get information are your local police departments, the state representative’s office, the District Attorney’s office, and the federal or state Senator’s office.

Can CBD Be Effective for Military Personnel?

CBD can be useful for everyone, military personnel included. Members of the military are often exposed to high-stress situations, uneven sleep patterns, nerves, and physical discomfort, that can all throw their bodies off balance.

Research suggests that CBD may have a positive influence on the ECS which may promote balance. The ECS helps the body regulate sleep, mood, stress, inflammation, soreness, digestive movements, and many other important factors.

Since the military doesn’t test for CBD, active personnel can benefit from various CBD products. According to the VA, there are various clinical trials and numerous anecdotal evidence that state CBD has helped veterans with several different issues.

Over the years, countless vets have used CBD to help decrease swelling, reduce nerves, alleviate muscle and joint discomfort, aid digestion, regulate poor sleeping patterns, and more.

What Are the Benefits of Military Personnel Using CBD Products?

CBD can benefit anyone, but service members may especially enjoy the many potential benefits of consuming CBD products. Military members are frequently exposed to high-stress situations, both physically and mentally, causing soreness, nervous behaviors, and the general backlash from stressful work life. Prolonged periods of stress can have serious consequences for those who experience it, with the potential to drastically reduce not only enjoyment of life but also general health.

Taking CBD can have a positive benefit in relieving some of the issues that may contribute over time to overwhelming stress or discomfort. Some of the benefits that taking CBD can potentially grant its consumers include:

Relieves muscle soreness
Calms nervousness & relaxes mood
Encourages natural sleep
Promotes healthy appetite & digestion
Relieves discomfort from head & body

CBD is great for helping with these issues and much more! Over the past few years since the 2018 Farm Bill, many service members have become devotees of CBD for its ability to treat their discomforts without causing an intoxicating effect! This non-intoxicating characteristic allows for most people to consume CBD without fear of any grogginess following its ingestion or the presence of any “hangover” symptoms. Instead, CBD consumers will often enjoy a refreshed and revitalized sensation the following day!

Why Military Personnel Should Buy Broad Spectrum CBD

We recommend military members only buy broad spectrum CBD products to avoid any positive drug tests for THC! There is currently a zero-tolerance policy for any marijuana or THC product for all military personnel. Broad spectrum products do not contain any THC at all, compared to full spectrum CBD products, which will have up to 0.3% THC.

Although these tiny amounts of THC are usually not enough to trigger a positive drug test, consistently consuming full spectrum products could potentially lead to a build-up of THC. Because military drug screenings do not directly test for CBD, it is not a risk factor when getting drug tested. As such, broad spectrum CBD products reduce the risk of a positive test, so be sure to keep an eye out on the product labels for it!

Which Cheef Botanicals CBD Products Are Best?

Cheef Botanicals has a wide range of high-quality CBD-infused products available, so many that you might find yourself asking, “What CBD product is best for me?” The answer to this question is not so straightforward, as its answer is determined by several factors: what the CBD is being used for, where you would like to consume CBD, and even enjoyment should be considered!

The Best CBD Products For Military Personnel

Here are some of our recommendations for CBD products for military personnel! Remember that broad spectrum products are highly recommended to avoid any THC entering the system.

Vape Carts: Vaping is one of the most popular broad spectrum options overall due to its convenient size, low profile nature, and rich CBD content. Vape pens are made with all-natural terpenes heated through a battery device until it is vaporized and ready for inhalation. A bonus about vape pens is that they come in delicious flavors like cereal, passionfruit, and menthol, to name a few!
Topical Products: Topical products can help give your hard-working muscles and joints a well-deserved treatment. Topical products influence the endocannabinoid system (ECS) on a localized level to provide powerful relief to specific problem areas. This makes topical treatments like balms, lotions, and muscle rubs highly effective for certain skin conditions, muscle aches, and joint discomfort.
Edibles: CBD edibles are another great option for those who want something tasty and delicious. Edibles often come in the form of capsules, softgels, tinctures, or delicious gummies! Additionally, edibles are very low profile and likely draw no undesired attention resulting from their consumption. Edibles are also great as they cut out the need for consumers to measure out a precise dose because each edible will include a predetermined amount of CBD.

Final Thoughts on Military Tests for CBD

CBD for active-duty military members, who are concerned about drug tests, can be a great choice. However, for those worried that CBD might affect their military drug test, steering clear of full-spectrum CBD is their best bet. Broad-spectrum products and CBD isolates contain no traces of THC, and will not result in a failed drug test.

We recommend that all military members avoid using full-spectrum CBD products if they are paranoid about how it might affect their current position or employment. It’s important to remember that the chance of a CBD product affecting a drug test is rarely ever the case.

However, there are plenty of broad-spectrum and isolate CBD products that still promote overall wellness, due to their interaction with the ECS.

While the entourage effect is not present in CBD isolates, it does gives consumers the absolute purest and most flexible form of CBD. Before you purchase CBD products, make sure the product is lab-tested and the contents of the product are fully displayed on the label. Find more here.