Air Force & Space Force accept recruits who have used marijuana

In a major step for the military to enter the 21st century in late September, the Air Force and Space Force announced a new pilot program that will allow certain applicants who test positive for THC, the main psychoactive component in marijuana, a chance for a retest would possibly join the ranks. Between September 30 and December 31, 2022, the Air Force Recruiting Service granted waivers to 43 applicants who tested positive for THC. This was more publicity than expected.

Chrissy Cuttita, spokeswoman for the Air Force Recruiting Service, “could mean that as more states embrace more leniency toward cannabis and THC derivatives, we expect a continued increase in waiver requests.”

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About 87 percent of new hires are between the ages of 18 and 24, compared to about 29 percent of the comparable civilian population. 23 states have legitimate recreational marijuana, but more importantly, the under-30s see cannabis as perfectly fine. There are bars and clubs serving alcohol on military bases, but this is falling out of favor with the new generation. According to a study by New Frontier Data, a marijuana consumer research group, among Generation Z, marijuana outperformed not only alcohol, but also tobacco for recreational use. The study found that 69% of consumers aged 18-25 preferred cannabis products over alcohol. That’s a statistic the military finds difficult to ignore.

Not to be outdone, a report also reveals that millennials drink less than Gen X and baby boomers. A separate report from Australia’s University of New South Wales also confirms the global trend, finding that 44 percent of 18-24 year olds drink less than older generations. Millennials jumped on the cheaper, less body-damaging marijuana trend just as legalization was about to be surpassed.

RELATED: New poll shows Gen Z prefers weed over alcohol — why is that?

Use of cannabis can no longer bar potential applicants from enlistment in the US Air Force or US Space Force as long as they stop using after duty. Recruits who otherwise qualified for the service but tested positive for THC at the Military Entrance Processing Stations could be granted a waiver, Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas, commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service, told the Air Force Times.

He stressed that applicants who test positive for THC during their time at MEPS would be “permanently” barred from enlisting in the Air Force or Space Force. However, as more states legalize marijuana, the number of THC-positive applicants is increasing. “We have to be realistic today,” Thomas continued. “We must use common sense” Interesting as during the war the military provides free cigarettes and cheap alcohol to our fighting men and women

RELATED: New study further proves THC has a beneficial effect on PTSD

In other positive news, the military changed its policy last year for veterans who can use medical marijuana without losing their entitlement to care and services, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In a post on the department’s website, the VA clarified that while marijuana use is still considered federally illegal, “Veterans’ participation in state marijuana programs does not affect eligibility for VA care and services.” VA providers can and do discuss marijuana use with veterans as part of a comprehensive care plan and adjust treatment plans as needed.”