Are you vaping something illegal?

  • Published
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Team Vance members, specifically active duty and government civilians, who frequent vape shops should be on the lookout for products that include CBD, or cannabidiol.

Most people have heard of THC, which is the ingredient in marijuana that gets users high; however, attention has recently shifted to another compound in marijuana called CBD.

“CBD can be found in many different forms,” said Office of Special Investigations Special Agent Richard Ospina, “It is available as an edible, for use in vape pens/mods, and various oils for absorption into the skin.”

Cannabidiol’s main claim to fame is that it does not appear to have any psychotropic effects. In other words, users don’t feel the “high” they do with marijuana’s other primary derivative, THC. Instead, consumption of CBD is thought to alleviate anxiety, act as an anti-inflammatory and may even assist in controlling psychoses.

While the medical community is still debating the potential future uses for cannabidiol, one thing is certain--CBD is a Schedule 1 narcotic, and is illegal at the federal level.

Yet, in Oklahoma, CBD is not illegal to use or purchase. Right now it can be purchased in vape shops right here in Enid in the form of vape juice, gummies and oils.

Bottom line -- active duty members who use CBD, even accidentally, and are convicted via the UCMJ, can be discharged. Active duty aren’t the only ones affected, either. Government civilians found guilty of using CBD can be barred from entering the base.