Beware of THC-O acetate (THC-O), a dangerous, synthetic form of cannabinoid that is potentially toxic. THC-O is artificially created in labs by adding chemicals to delta-8 THC or delta-9 THC (as a reminder, THC is the ingredient that produces a “high” or calming effect). Due to lack of regulation, its contents and dose strength can be uncertain. THC-O is most commonly sold in the form of vape cartridges, oil containers and gummies. While THC-O is a very new substance on the market, limited research has shown that THC-O may have side effects such as seizures, difficulty speaking and vomiting. A recent public health warning noted that vaping THC-O can produce ketene, a toxic chemical known to cause lung injury. Take caution as some products containing THC-O may even be falsely labeled as delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC or other cannabis alternatives that are advertised as legal. As Service members, remember that consuming any amount or form of THC, including THC-O, is prohibited and could cost you your health and career.

CBD cigarettes, such as TAAT®, are often marketed as tobacco free and nicotine free alternatives to traditional cigarettes, but they contain prohibited substances like CBD, hemp and/or THC. This means that you can pop positive on a drug test if you use them (reminder: hemp and CBD products* are prohibited for Service members no matter the legal status, where purchased or the claimed or actual THC levels). Some CBD cigarettes are offered in different flavors (like menthol), look and smell like tobacco and may be available where other tobacco products are purchased. Avoid tobacco products, especially those with prohibited substances, to protect your health and career as a Service member.

*The DOD and Service-level policies do not prohibit the use of durable hemp goods (like rope or clothing) or FDA-approved cannabinoid drugs for which a Service member has a valid prescription.

As of April 21, 2022, recreational marijuana became available to purchase in New Jersey. If you are stationed in or PCSing to New Jersey this season, beware that medical and recreational marijuana use is now legal in that state. For more information on what state marijuana laws are already in place in the U.S., check out the What Marijuana Legalization Means for You infographic. Remember – marijuana is prohibited for Active and Reserve Component members, so avoid products that may have marijuana in them to protect your career.

Energy drinks are common for Service members trying to stay alert while on duty. But did you know there’s a new beverage marketed to help you relax and unwind that you should avoid? Hemp-infused energy drinks. The drink, Rockstar Unplugged, and other similar products contain hemp seed oil, caffeine and other ingredients, and could make you pop positive on a drug test. Remember – even though these drinks are federally legal and available in local stores, hemp products are prohibited [PDF 296KB] for you to use as a Service member. Check out other ways to unwind without risking your career.

A recent study shows people who recently used cannabis reported more extreme sleeping conditions; specifically, they slept shorter amounts (less than 6 hours) or longer amounts (more than 9 hours) rather than the optimal sleep length (which is 6-9 hours). Chronic sleep problems can negatively impact mental health, chronic pain and physical health so stay away from the prohibited drug and use these tips to get your sleep back on track.

You might hear about products that include Delta-8 THC, like vapes and gummies, and that using Delta-8 won’t make you pop positive. The DOD, however, added Delta-8 THC to the drug testing panel in July 2021. Delta-8 is advertised as a milder high than the THC you’re familiar with and is often compared to CBD. However, like marijuana, CBD and hemp, Delta-8 THC is prohibited for Service members to use no matter the legal status of the product in your location or the claimed THC levels. Steer clear of products containing Delta-8 to avoid popping positive on the DOD drug testing panel.

If you are stationed in or PCSing to any of the following states this summer, beware that new marijuana legalization laws for medical and/or recreational use will be going into effect:

• New Mexico: June 2021 (Medical and recreational)
• Alabama: June 2021 (Medical)
• Virginia: July 2021 (Medical and recreational)
• Connecticut: July 2021 (Recreational)
• South Dakota: July 2021 (Medical)

For more information on what state marijuana laws are already in place in the U.S., check out the What Marijuana Legalization Means for You infographic. Remember – marijuana is prohibited for Active and Reserve Component members, so steer clear of products that may have marijuana in them to protect your career.

You might think driving under the influence just means driving after drinking alcohol. However, a recent study reported that more people are driving while under the influence of marijuana, opioids and other illicit drugs and it’s causing more deaths behind the wheel. Protect yourself and your career by not using prohibited drugs like marijuana, steering clear of illicit drugs and only using your prescription drugs as directed by your health care provider. Remember – you are responsible for your actions.