DVIDS – News – Legalization of medical marijuana proves problematic for Florida Guardsmen

ST. Augustine, Florida – 36 states, four territories, and our nation’s capital all have legalized some form of marijuana. The state of Florida became the 22nd state to do so in 2014, but only for medical purposes in terminally ill patients. It wasn’t until the Florida Senate passed Senate Bill 8A, the Medical Use of Marijuana Act, in 2017 that the medical marijuana industry really took off.

Last year, Florida had marijuana sales of nearly $ 1.23 billion, according to a report by Leafly and Whitney Economics. Across the state, pharmacies have grown at an alarming rate. In downtown St. Augustine, for example, there are now three within a mile.

Despite our country’s increasingly pro-marijuana culture, the Food and Drug Administration has only approved a handful of cannabis-related medicines. FDA-approved drugs like Merinol and Epidiolex treat serious illnesses like cancer, wasting syndrome, and acute cases of epilepsy. All other non-FDA approved forms of marijuana remain illegal drugs under federal law.

It is important to note that, contrary to Florida law that allows the use of medicinal cannabis, there is no “medical marijuana prescription” in Florida. It is still illegal for a federal doctor to prescribe a List 1 drug in the United States. Hence, no medical professional can legally or ethically prescribe a substance that may worsen the health of their patients or increase their chances of developing a marijuana use disorder. The misunderstanding is compounded by an uninterrupted advertising campaign in which countless magazines, billboards, and social media sites advertise the many health benefits of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.

“We are seeing a trend in adolescents and adults using marijuana to cope with the stressors and anxieties of everyday life,” said Sara Rutan, clinical director of EPIC Behavioral Healthcare in St. Augustine. “A low risk is perceived with this type of use, but studies have linked regular use with an increase in anxiety, depression and psychotic episodes, especially if use is younger or has a history of mood problems. These effects can affect work, family and social life, create additional stressors and have a spiraling effect on an individual’s life, the exact opposite of the desired outcome. “

Additionally, cannabidiol oil, or CBD oil, is now found in a variety of herbal remedies and homeopathic treatments, although its use is still banned by the Department of Defense. Easy access to CBD oil has proven problematic for service workers who have to read the labels of everything from tea to joint pain creams extremely carefully.

Albert Figueroa, the risk reduction coordinator for the Florida Army National Guard’s Drug Abuse Prevention and Risk Reduction Program, says the force has had more than 150 soldiers tested positive for THC on urinalysis over the past two years, many claiming that they never smoked or ingested traditional forms of marijuana.

“Last year I had the case of a soldier who showed a positive THC result after purchasing a CBD product with healing properties advertised online,” said Figueroa. “Unfortunately, as this soldier found out, none of these products are regulated, so the chances of being positive on a urinalysis are high regardless of what is advertised regarding the amount of THC found in hemp products.”

Despite the fact that CBD products cannot legally contain more than 0.3 percent THC, many tobacco shops and internet retailers sell products that contain more than the legal limit and sometimes contaminated with synthetic marijuana, fentanyl or with pesticides, molds and heavy oils are metals. Subsequently, members of the military may test positive for THC, suffer a fatal drug overdose, or experience some form of poisoning from contamination. Even CBD bought through reputable retailers that contain the legal amount of THC can cause the illegal drug to build up in the body, which could eventually trigger a positive urinalysis. In addition to punitive UCMJ actions and likely dishonorable discharge, soldiers who test positive for controlled substances are now at risk of consequences that can carry over to their civilian lives. Under Title 18 US Code Section 922, also known as the “Brady Bill,” the soldier in question may not purchase, own, receive, or ship personal firearms or ammunition for one year from the date of positive urinalysis.

“The only reason I stay away from THC is simply because of the consequences that could ruin my career,” said Army Staff Sgt. Robert Gilmore, a satellite communications system operator-maintainer and unit prevention leader with the 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion. “With the way THC products are generally available through vape, oil, or smoke, it’s hard to tell what is what. It’s just not worth it to try. ”

Too much remains unknown for America’s military personnel to risk their reputation, career, and life over an unproven drug that remains illegal under federal law. If you find yourself at any point where you think you need help with your physical or mental health, please contact a doctor or mental health professional.

In a crisis, call 911 or the Veterans Crisis Hotline 1-800-273-8255, Opt 1, or text 838255. Florida National Guards can also call 1-855-910-5000 to reach a mental health coordinator . For more information about mental illness treatment options in your area, please contact your local Veteran’s Affairs Clinic.