That’s one way to spark up more recruits.
Rep. Matt Gaetz wants to ban cannabis testing for members of the military in order to help the “recruitment and retainment crisis” in the US armed forces.
The Florida Republican, who is also a member of the House Cannabis Caucus, has proposed an amendment to the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.
The measure would end required tests for cannabis as a condition of enlistment or as a condition of being commissioned as an officer.
“Our military is facing a recruitment and retainment crisis unlike any other time in American history,” Gaetz told The Post on Wednesday.
“I do not believe that prior use of cannabis should exclude Americans from enlisting in the armed forces. We should embrace them for stepping up to serve our country.”
With cannabis now legal for recreational use in 23 states and the District of Columbia, more and more recruits are testing positive for the drug.
About 33% more recruits tested positive for cannabis last year than in 2020, according to the New York Times.
The military has also warned that even soldiers not looking to get high may fail drug tests because of the growing number of CBD and hemp products – derived from cannabis plants – on the market
“A single use of some hemp products may result in a positive drug test result for THC,” Matt Leonard, Army spokesperson, told Military Times last year.
“[Regulation] AR 600-85 prohibits soldiers from using products made or derived from hemp, including CBD, regardless of the product’s claimed or actual THC concentration and whether such product may be lawfully bought, sold, or used in the civilian marketplace,” Leonard said.
Gaetz’s amendment isn’t the only cannabis-related proposal expected to be taken up this year.
Reps. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) have introduced an amendment that would allow VA doctors to give medical opinions on cannabis use as a treatment to patients in states where medical marijuana is legal.
An amendment proposed by Rep. Tony Gonzalez (R-Texas) would also allow members of the armed forces to consume CBD products that are legal under federal law.
