A proposed amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act seeks to remove the requirement for cannabis testing for individuals enlisting or commissioning in the armed forces. Introduced by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), the amendment aims to address the military's recruitment and retention challenges. Gaetz argues that prior cannabis use should not disqualify individuals from serving their country.
The amendment specifically states that the Secretary of the respective military department cannot mandate cannabis testing as a prerequisite for enlistment or commission. This change represents a significant shift from the military's historically strict regulations regarding marijuana use.
While President Biden pardoned thousands of individuals with federal marijuana possession charges last year, this pardon did not extend to military personnel facing similar charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
