14 DAY TRIAL // The Air Force is asking that members do not eat a variety of Chobani yogurt made with hemp seeds.
The ban applies to all products with hemp seed or hemp seed oil, because hemp contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The substance is included in marijuana and its effects are not taken lightly by Air Force officials.
According to an adviser for the Air Force Drug Testing Laboratory at the Air Force Medical Operations Agency at Lackland in Texas, the company has only instituted a ban on one variety of yogurt.
“The Air Force has not restricted military members from consuming Chobani Greek yogurt; rather, only Chobani yogurt that contains hemp seed or hemp seed oil is prohibited, just as any product which contains or is derived from hemp seed or hemp seed oil is prohibited,” Capt. Adam Koudelka clarifies.
Chobani claim that the quantities are minimal and are far less than what the law states is acceptable, but cannot guarantee that they will not show up on drug tests.
“The findings suggest that hemp food consumption is not likely to meet this threshold if THC levels in hemp oil and hulled seeds are maintained below 5 and 2 parts per million respectively,” spokeswoman Jessica DiGennaro tells Air Force Times.
The off-limits product is the Blueberry Power Flip. It allows buyers to mix in hemp seed, walnuts and chia. The premium yogurt is offered with the seeds on the side, and they can be added in by customers.
“Studies have shown that products made with hemp seed and hemp seed oil may contain varying levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active ingredient of marijuana which is detectable under the Air Force Drug Testing Program.
“In order to ensure military readiness, the ingestion of products containing or products derived from hemp seed or hemp seed oil is prohibited. Failure to comply with the mandatory provisions of this paragraph by military personnel is a violation of Article 92, UCMJ,” the AFI 44-120 regulation states.