US Military Maintains Cannabis Ban Despite Federal Rescheduling Shift

The US Department of War has issued a clear directive reaffirming its prohibition on cannabis use among service members, despite recent federal developments to reschedule marijuana. As reported by Marijuana Moment, the memo emphasizes that possession and consumption of marijuana "remain punishable" under military regulations, signaling that the armed forces are not relaxing their stance in step with evolving national policy

The Trump administration's move to federally reschedule cannabis has sparked debate across multiple sectors, yet the military is holding firm. This resistance comes as lawmakers and industry stakeholders push for broader reform, with some hoping for alignment between federal and institutional policies. The Department of War's memo serves as a reminder that, regardless of national shifts, military rules continue to apply

On the legislative front, Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) expressed optimism about averting the scheduled federal recriminalization of hemp-derived THC products. "I think this is an opportunity for us to bring both sides together in a hyperpartisan time when it appears like we can’t get anything passed," Sheehy stated, highlighting the potential for bipartisan cooperation on cannabis-related issues

Meanwhile, state-level cannabis policy continues to evolve. Idaho's secretary of state recently clarified that a medical cannabis campaign failed to gather enough valid signatures to appear on the November ballot, with the matter now referred to law enforcement for review. In Virginia, regulators have launched a public reporting tool for suspected violations of new recreational marijuana sales laws, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance legalization with public safety

Internationally, cannabis laws remain varied, with Kenya's High Court upholding the country's ban on the substance even as other nations move toward reform. Studies highlighted in recent reports also point to potential medical benefits of cannabinoids and psychedelics, such as the use of CBD-loaded nanogels for acne and psilocybin for fear memory reduction in mice

OG Lab notes that while federal and state cannabis policies are shifting rapidly, the US military's continued strict prohibition is a major signal of institutional caution. The divergence between federal rescheduling and military enforcement underscores the complexity of cannabis reform in the US, and industry watchers should expect further debate as more sectors grapple with the implications of changing laws