Air Force reminds Airmen to avoid hemp seed products Published Aug. 29, 2013 WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Recent news reports on the Air Force's prohibition of a popular yogurt brand spotlighted a regulation, in effect since the late 1990s, aimed at ensuring military readiness. Recently, military members were told to avoid a Chobani yogurt called "Blueberry Power Chobani Flip" because it contains hemp seeds and walnuts that can be mixed into the yogurt. Chobani since stated they will remove the ingredient from this product, according to the Air Force Surgeon General's office. "The Air Force has a long-standing policy in place that prohibits military members from ingesting any product, regardless of manufacturer, that contains or is derived from hemp seed or hemp seed oil," said Capt. Adam Koudelka, legal advisor for the Air Force Drug Testing Laboratory, Air Force Medical Operations Agency, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. "Military members are not prohibited from ingesting other products not containing or derived from hemp seed or hemp seed oil." The prohibition is explained in Air Force Instruction 44-120, paragraph 1.1.5, as well as AFI 44-121, paragraph 3.2.2, which states, "Studies have shown that products made with hemp seed and hemp seed oil may contain varying levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active ingredient of marijuana which is detectable under the Air Force Drug Testing Program. In order to ensure military readiness, the ingestion of products containing or products derived from hemp seed or hemp seed oil is prohibited." Captain Koudelka emphasized each military member is individually responsible for ensuring he or she is compliant with this policy, and failure to do so is a violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. If an Airman is found to have consumed hemp seeds or oil, they can be punished for disobeying the regulation, according to Gregory Girard, deputy director of administrative law, Office of the Judge Advocate General. Reading labels is the best practice, because the ingredient can be contained in myriad products available in health food stores and throughout consumer markets. "Air Force military members should be mindful that products containing hemp seeds can be found at health food stores, including health food stores and commissaries located on military bases, and therefore the best policy for Airmen to follow is to be vigilant about what they put into their body," Koudelka said. A good practice is to read product labels prior to consumption to see whether the product contains hemp seed or hemp seed oil. "Hemp has a lot of the same effects on the body as marijuana," said Aaron McCormick, 92nd Medical Operations Squadron drug testing program administrative manager. "Users can become hungry, nervous or anxious and tired. Users can also have blood shot eyes, increased heart rate, memory issues, problems with reasoning as well as other cognitive issues." According to McCormick, its' important for Airmen to pay close attention to what they ingest because state laws may be different then the laws outlined in the UCMJ. "If you don't know what someting is, research or ask questions about it," said McCormick. Don't assume that because a product says 'natural' or 'healthy' that it's a product that can be used by members of the Air Force." For more information, call Mr. McCormick at (509) 247-3944. (Courtesy Office of the Air Force Surgeon General; Fairchild Air Force Base information by Airman 1st Class Janelle Patiño)