US Air Force allows applicants to retest after positive THC test

Previously, US Air Force applicants who tested positive for THC were automatically disqualified from duty, sometimes even if cannabis had been used months ago.

According to a recent announcement, the US Air Force will establish a two-year pilot program that will give applicants a second chance if they test positive for THC.

“The Department of the Air Force has established a two-year pilot program that will allow for retesting of applicants who test positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during the admission physical exam at the Military Entrance Processing Station,” the announcement said.

The Pentagon bans recruits from using cannabis products — including CBD products — but it’s up to individual services to set their own policies for dealing with recruits who test positive.

“The pilot program is consistent with existing Department of Defense policy and builds on experience gained by the Army and Navy, which have previously conducted similar pilot programs. Previously, a positive THC result on the initial test would have resulted in a permanent ban from entering the DAF. The pilot program offers some prospective applicants the opportunity to retest after 90 days if they are granted an exemption. If those who have been granted an exemption pass a second test, candidates are allowed to register.”

Applicants are deemed eligible for an exemption if they meet a list of requirements. THC exemption requests undergo multiple levels of verification before an applicant is deemed eligible.

Waiver applicants will only be considered if they have a minimum score of 50 on the Armed Forces Qualification Test, have no Category 1 or 2 moral violations, hold a high school diploma (Tier 1, no alternate credentials), and are otherwise medically qualified for service.

Recruits for the United States Air Force, US Space Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard are subject to the rules. Once individuals enter the waiver program, they must adhere to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the DAF policy, which prohibits drug use.

The policy is effective immediately and the pilot program will remain in effect for two years. After a period of two years, data will be collected and analyzed to determine whether a more permanent change in DAF’s recruitment and enrollment policy is appropriate.

“If applicants test positive for THC when they go to MEPS, they will be permanently barred from enlistment in the Air Force or Space Force,” Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas told the Air Force Times. “But as more states legalize cannabis, there are more THC-positive applicants.”

Back in 2017, the US Air Force expanded its ranks by increasing the number of Therapeutic Use Exemptions it issues to prospective recruits who use cannabis for medical reasons, Military.com recently reported.

Other departments of the services are also taking similar measures.

Last April, the Navy launched its own two-year pilot program, during which otherwise qualified applicants who test positive for THC at MEPS can receive an exemption. The waiver allows them to attend bootcamp after a 90-day waiting period, and the program runs through April 2023. If a recruit tests positive for THC during Recruit Training Command or basic training, they already have waivers to allow them to return been available to enable.

Likewise, the Army is enforcing a 90-day waiting period in the event recruits at MEPS test positive for THC. These soldiers can also request an exemption to join the service. However, if a recruit tests positive for a drug on their second test, they will be permanently barred from enlisting in the Army.