The White House opposes a provision in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act that would prevent military branches from testing enlistees or officers for marijuana, citing concerns about readiness and safety.

Administration’s Position

In a statement, the White House Office of Management and Budget expressed concerns with Section 532 of the NDAA, which would prohibit testing for cannabis as a condition of enlistment or commission.

Cannabis and Military Readiness

The administration views marijuana use among service members as a potential detriment to military readiness and safety, citing concerns about THC content in cannabis.

Congressional Response

Republican lawmakers have filed an amendment to remove the cannabis enlistment language from the NDAA, while bipartisan efforts aim to clarify the reenlistment waiver process for cannabis-related issues.

Biden Administration’s Stance on Cannabis Reform

This stance aligns with previous actions by the Biden administration, including maintaining restrictions on D.C.’s ability to implement adult-use marijuana sales, despite support for rescheduling cannabis at the federal level.

Campaigning on Cannabis Rescheduling

President Biden and Vice President Harris have campaigned on cannabis rescheduling and contrasted their support for reform with actions taken under the previous administration.

The White House’s opposition to the NDAA provision reflects ongoing debates about cannabis policy, military recruitment standards, and the intersection of drug policy with national security concerns.

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