Washington, DC—The House of Representatives voted to approve an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would ensure that the U.S. Department of Defense may not prohibit the possession, use, or consumption of hemp products—in compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local law—by members of the Armed Forces. The measure is sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and veteran of two Middle East deployments. A press release from Rep. Gabbard’s office says the Gabbard amendment was included in the final version of the bill, which passed.

“There is great research being done around hemp, resulting in new products coming to market that are proven to help with ailments like insomnia, inflammation, chronic pain, epilepsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress and more,” Rep. Gabbard said in the release. “Hemp products provide a form of treatment that serves as an alternative option for those who would rather pursue natural remedies rather than prescription drugs. This amendment passed with strong bipartisan support, ensuring our servicemembers have access to the same over-the-counter products that Americans all across the country benefit from today.”

The bill now goes to the Senate. Marijuana Moment reported that it is not yet know whether cannabis policy reform provisions will be included in the Senate version of NDAA, but that Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA) , and Brian Schatz (D-HI) have introduced an amendment that would promote studies into cannabis and its derivatives. Read Marijuana Moment’s coverage here.

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