FBI May Legalize CBD Use for Its Employees

According to recent reports, the FBI administration is considering the possibility of legalizing the use of CBD by its employees, including field agents and technical staff. Currently, the use of marijuana—including therapeutic CBD extracts—can be grounds for dismissal. Additionally, a history of marijuana use (up to three years before applying for a job at the Bureau) can result in rejection of applicants.

However, in light of expanding therapeutic reforms and the recent decriminalization of technical marijuana and its extracts, the agency’s administration has decided to reconsider its stance on CBD use among current and potential employees.

Recent Developments and Official Statements

This information surfaced during a recent Twitter interview with representatives from the FBI’s Newark, New Jersey office, where journalists asked about possible service reforms, including the legalization of marijuana. When asked about the ban on CBD use, agency representatives openly stated that the administration has been considering reform regarding the use of this substance for some time.

It remains unclear whether the reform will apply to previously rejected candidates or dismissed employees, or when it might be formally implemented. Journalists were unable to obtain comments from the FBI’s central headquarters in Washington, D.C. However, the agency has not rushed to deny this information, suggesting the possibility is real.

Additionally, it was revealed that if adopted, the reform would apply to all agency employees, from technical staff to agents and administrators.

Background and Broader Context

It’s worth noting that back in 2014, then-FBI Director James Comey did not rule out the possibility of such reforms. He emphasized that due to restrictions on therapeutic and recreational marijuana use, the agency was losing many valuable candidates. He specifically highlighted the need for reform in hiring cybersecurity staff, stating, “Hackers, in general, would be happy to work with the agency if not for the strict ban on marijuana use, which, surprisingly, is quite popular in their circles.”

About a year ago, despite federal restrictions, the agency’s headquarters sent directives to regional offices to cooperate with civilian informants reporting corruption and health violations at regionally legal cannabis businesses, aiming to help combat such crimes.

Federal Agencies’ Stance on Marijuana and CBD

Unfortunately, like the federal government as a whole, other major national agencies are in no hurry to adopt reforms allowing employees to use marijuana and related products.

• The Department of Defense strictly prohibits all branches of the U.S. military and associated civilian personnel from using recreational or therapeutic marijuana, including technical CBD extracts. The Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard have separately reaffirmed their commitment to strict criminalization among their ranks.
• NASA has also opposed the use of THC- and CBD-containing products by its employees, citing concerns that these substances could undermine the agency’s work.
• The Administration for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services has similarly opposed the legalization and widespread use of CBD among the public, noting potential risks associated with frequent “contamination of CBD products with potentially dangerous levels of THC.”

There are some exceptions. For example, the Department of Transportation announced in February that it would exclude CBD from mandatory drug tests for drivers. Additionally, the public health service recently formally removed CBD medications from federal restrictive lists.