A fresh warning from the U.S. Air Force has made it clear—servicemembers at Massachusetts’ Hanscom Air Force Base and its surrounding properties must steer clear of not just marijuana but also hemp-derived products like CBD and delta-8 THC. Even though these cannabinoids are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, military regulations override civilian laws, making possession or use of such products a punishable offense.
Military Base, Military Rules
A memo issued on January 27 and signed by Air Force Commander Col. Jorge Jimenez underscores that federal law reigns supreme on military installations. While Massachusetts has embraced both medical and recreational cannabis, that doesn’t change the rules for those who set foot on Hanscom AFB.
- Marijuana, CBD, and delta-8 THC are all banned on base, regardless of legality in civilian life.
- The prohibition extends beyond the main base to sites like FamCamp, Sagamore Hill, Patriot Golf Course, and the Fourth Cliff Annex.
- Those caught violating the rule face potential fines, imprisonment, or even permanent banishment from the installation.
“The important takeaway for military members, federal employees, contractors, dependents—literally anybody who tries to come on base—is you can’t have or use marijuana, CBD, or THC,” Capt. Adam Livermore wrote in a statement on the Hanscom AFB website.
What About Hemp’s Legal Status?
Hemp and its derivatives have occupied a legal gray area ever since Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized industrial hemp and its naturally occurring cannabinoids—so long as they contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. This distinction is crucial because delta-8 THC, a hemp-derived compound with psychoactive properties, has surged in popularity as a legal alternative to marijuana.
But for the military, the law is straightforward: federal legality does not equate to military approval.
“Products such as cannabidiol, commercially known as CBD, and synthetic marijuana products, including delta-8 THC, are sold widely as supplements,” the Air Force memo states. “These products are not regulated for accuracy or consistency.”
Even CBD-infused products designed for relaxation and wellness are considered off-limits, with the Air Force previously expressing concern that such items could compromise “military readiness.”
Some Hemp Products Are Still Allowed
Interestingly, the Air Force memo makes an exception for non-consumable hemp products. While ingestible forms are strictly banned, hemp-based clothing, ropes, and other durable goods remain permissible.
This distinction likely stems from the lack of cannabinoids in industrial hemp textiles. However, the memo remains silent on hemp-derived nutritional products like hemp seeds or hemp milk, which contain little to no cannabinoids.
Enforcement: A Zero-Tolerance Approach
The Department of Defense has long held a strict stance on cannabis-related substances, including CBD, citing concerns over product inconsistency and potential contamination with THC. Even accidental exposure, such as from CBD hand sanitizers or hemp granola bars, has been flagged as a risk to military personnel.
This policy is unlikely to change anytime soon. In recent years, various military branches have ramped up warnings to troops, emphasizing that compliance is non-negotiable. In the Air Force, even first-time violations can have serious consequences.
As cannabis laws continue to evolve nationwide, military personnel will remain bound by federal mandates—meaning even a completely legal trip to a Massachusetts dispensary could lead to unintended trouble on base.
