On Friday, July 24, the United States Navy released a memo that bans active marines and sailors from using any product that contains hemp, including those that only contain cannabidiol (CBD). The new language now specifically prohibits even topical products, including "hemp" shampoos and soaps, which had not been mentioned in previous memos restricting CBD use. According to the July 24 memo:
Sailors and Marines are prohibited from using any product made or derived from hemp (as defined in 7 U.S.C. 1639o), including CBD, regardless of the product's THC concentration, claimed or actual, and regardless of whether such product may lawfully be bought, sold, and used under the law applicable to civilians. "Use" means to inject, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce into the human body. "Use" includes the use of hemp products designed to penetrate through the skin layer, including but not limited to transdermal patches. "Use" also includes the use of topical products containing hemp, such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions, lip balms, or soaps.
The memo notes that sailors and marines are allowed to use FDA-approved medications containing cannabinoids (e.g., Epidiolex, Marinol, Cesamet), provided they have a valid prescription.
For more information, see Marijuana Moment.