DeCA Informs Industry That Products With Added THC, Hemp, CBD Ingredients Not Welcome In Commissaries

• FORT GREGG-ADAMS

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) alerted industry that products containing added THC, Hemp and CBD as ingredients or in residual concentration are not accepted as part of the commissary product assortment.

In a Jan. 16 Notice to the Trade (DeCA Notice 25-36), the agency explained that its stores are prohibited from carrying such products, which have experienced increasing popularity as states have legalized the private use of cannabis products by adults.

According to the notice, Under section 301(ll) of the FD&C Act [21 U.S.C. § 331(ll)], “it is prohibited to introduce or deliver for introduction into interstate commerce any food (including any animal food or feed) to which has been added a substance which is an active ingredient in a drug product that has been approved under section 505 of the FD&C Act [21 U.S.C. § 355] … the FDA has therefore concluded that it is a prohibited act to introduce or deliver for introduction into interstate commerce any food (including any animal food or feed) to which THC or CBD has been added.”

FURTHER EXPLANATION

Attached to the notice was a further explanation of the legality of such products being included in the commissary assortment, and the overall use of hemp products in the military environment.

This portion of the NTT was directed to service members, giving them tips on being aware of the existence of such products.

“Although hemp may be found in products sold at the commissary, local retail or stores, most hemp products are prohibited for active and reserve component members to eat or use,” the notice explained.

“Hemp comes from the cannabis plant and can be used to produce materials and food,” the notice stated. “Department of Defense (DoD) and service-level policies prohibit service members from eating products made or derived from hemp, no matter the claimed or actual THC levels.

“Durable goods, like rope or clothing, are not included in the policy and are OK to use. Some products may clearly state that they contain hemp, but some may not.”

Prohibited items — products with added hemp or the other substances — can include milk; chips and crackers; hand sanitizer; protein powder; granola and energy bars; shampoo and conditioner; and lotion and soap.

“It is your responsibility to look out for products that might contain hemp before you use them,” the notice stated, following with a three-step process to see if certain products are prohibited:

“Read the ingredients to see if it contains hemp parts (like hemp seeds or oil); ask if it contains hemp; if you’re not sure if it contains hemp, steer clear — remember, it’s not worth the risk.”

FURTHER INFORMATION

The notice added that those interested can obtain information about “risky drug use” at www.toomuchtolose.org.

The notice provided other links “for further research and information” on DoD policy regarding this subject:

Questions regarding this review may be directed to Lt. Col. Angela Schmillen, director, Public Health and Safety, at angela.schmillen@deca.mil or (804) 734-8000, ext. 48659.

Source: DeCA
Edited by Larry Lapka