(WASHINGTON, DC) – Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action)released the following statement today in response to Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz’s irrational proposal to solve military recruitment deficits by ending drug testing for THC, the psychoactive component extracted from marijuana.
“Use of THC drugs by military recruits has surged 33 percent in recent years and Congressman Gaetz’s absurd solution is to make THC drug use even easier. THC-laced drugs including vapes and edible forms of marijuana have serious physical and mental health consequences, especially for young people. The NDAA is a bill that should serve to strengthen our military, but Rep. Gaetz’s proposal would weaken it. We encourage him to look at the law, the medical science and the data associated with today’s high-potency THC drugs before using his position to put potentially damaging policy on the table.
“Perhaps the congressman thinks today’s pot is like the drugs of 1960s and 70s. It’s now at least four times more powerful and increasingly linked in medical research to IQ loss, depression, suicidality, motor skills impairment, psychosis and schizophrenia. Dumbing down our military and debilitating them mentally with drugs that alter the function of the brain will make the U.S. fighting force weaker. It will play into the hands of strategic opponents like China, who are investing heavily in the marijuana industry here in the U.S.
“Military recruitment is down for a variety of reasons that we’re confident Rep. Gaetz knows well. What he proposes won’t solve that problem. It will send a message that it’s okay to break federal law and still wear the uniform, carry a weapon and be given a public trust. It’s either ignorant, a political ploy or just plain irresponsible.”