Matt Gaetz proposes to ban Marijuana testing in the US Military
Matt Gaetz has introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to ban marijuana testing for members of the military both during the processes of enlistment and when accepting a commission.
The amendment, proposed last week, aims to address the plummeting recruitment in the U.S. Army, exacerbated by a growing number of recruits testing positive for marijuana use.
In 2022, military data obtained and reported by The New York Times revealed that 4,710 recruits failed their entry drug tests, representing a nearly 33% surge compared to the figures from 2020.
"Our military is facing a recruitment and retainment crisis unlike any other time in American history. 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," Gaetz said in a tweet on Wednesday, July 5.
Although 23 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized it for recreational use and 38 states have regulated its use for medical purposes, marijuana still remains illegal at the federal level.
The U.S. Army maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use, and marijuana continues to be considered a disqualifying factor, while some U.S. agencies, such as C.I.A. and the F.B.I. have loosened their drug screening protocols, as the extensive federal system has faced challenges in replenishing its workforce in recent times.
According to a response letter sent by the Department of Defense to several lawmakers in 2022, marijuana ranks as the most frequently detected drug in positive drug tests among active duty military service members. Following closely behind is delta-8 THC, which is gaining popularity in the U.S. states where marijuana is still illegal.
For years, recruiters have informed potential applicants that their involvement with marijuana rendered them ineligible for military service.
While waivers are available in some instances, the approval of these waivers depends on factors such as the extent of marijuana use, whether it was for medical or recreational reasons, and the specific requirements of the military branch involved.
Without waivers, applicants who fail a drug test for marijuana or have a single conviction for possession would be disqualified from military service.
This exclusion would affect approximately one-third of 18-year-old Americans who report using marijuana at least once in the past year, as indicated by a report from the RAND Corporation, a non-profit global policy think tank and research institute, which concludes that previous cannabis use has relatively minimal impact on overall performance.
However, the evolving legal landscape surrounding marijuana is prompting certain military branches to examine their current drug testing protocols.
For instance, the Air Force and Space Force unveiled a pilot program in September 2022, allowing select applicants who test positive for THC an opportunity for retesting and potential enlistment.
