CONGRESS REJECTS RELAXING MILITARY DRUG POLICY, TELLS THE ADDICTION INDUSTRY AND WORLD WE’RE COMMITTED TO A STRONG MILITARY FORCE

Lawmakers Reject NDAA Amendments Allowing Use of THC Drugs by Military Recruits, Other Dangerous Proposals

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action) President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former White House drug policy advisor to Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton, released the following statement today in response to the U.S. House of Representatives rejecting amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would have risked service members’ health and safety by ending drug testing for THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana. The amendments proposed by Rep. Matt Gaetz and others would have further normalized dangerous THC drugs that are increasing addiction rates.

“The NDAA should be about making our nation and our military stronger, not about advancing the addiction-for-profit industry’s agenda to create a new generation of high-frequency drug users. Turning a blind eye to drugs that alter brain function won’t solve the recruitment issue facing our military. 

“THC-laced drugs, including vapes and edibles, have serious physical and mental health consequences for users, especially young people. 

“We are encouraged that Speaker McCarthy and members of the House Rules Committee looked at the law, the medical science and the data associated with today’s high-potency THC drugs and rejected these irresponsible policy proposals.

“This decision reaffirms the position that the U.S. will protect the health and well-being of its military, sending a strong message to allies and adversaries throughout the world. It also sends a message that it’s not okay to break federal law and still wear the uniform, carry a weapon and be given public trust. We applaud all those who voted against these dangerous amendments.”