Does the military test for LSD, or can you get away with LSD use? In this article, we’ll take a look at the military’s policy on drug testing and the consequences of a positive test result.
TL;DR
- The military doesn’t routinely test for LSD ✔️
- They might if they suspect someone in the unit is abusing the drug ⚠️
Military Drug Testing Policy
Many people are wondering what the exact policy is when it comes to drug testing in the military. Does the military test for LSD? The drug problem in the military was especially prominent in the Vietnam War and after it.
Lysergic acid diethylamide is one of the most potent hallucinogenic drugs that was used among many soldiers during the conflict. So, it would be logical that LSD testing is included in the procedure. But what’s the reality?
Does the Military Test for LSD at All?
The Department of Defense (DoD) has a comprehensive drug testing policy in place. But does the military test for LSD? All military personnel are subject to random urine drug tests, which may include screening for LSD. Members are required to provide a urine sample whenever requested by their commanding officer or healthcare provider.
The drug screening process includes urinalysis, spectrometry test and immunoassay screening and tests for:
- marijuana;
- amphetamine;
- benzodiazepines;
- opioids;
- MDMA;
- PCP;
- cocaine; and
- more.
If the test results indicate the presence of any illegal substances, the military may take disciplinary action. But LSD hasn’t always been on the list. In fact, the military stopped testing for it in 2006 because the number of positives was tiny (4 members out of 2 million specimens screened in 3 years).
But in 2020, the commanding general of the 2nd Marine Division announced that the unit had an LSD problem. So, the drug was added to their test panel and soon, the change was approved by the DoD. Today, a small amount of the regular drug testing samples can be randomly chosen for LSD testing in all branches of the military. It may have started with the Marine Corps, but Marines and sailors aren’t the only ones who should stay away from the drug.
Keep in Mind 🧠
The DoD requires service members to submit to a urine drug test randomly at least once a year or more, if deemed necessary. This doesn’t usually include LSD screening, but it might. In addition, the military requires testing for drug use before and after deployment. This is to ensure that service members are not using illegal substances while serving their country.
Zero Tolerance Policy
So, does the military test for LSD? The DoD has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drugs in the military. If a service member is tested positive, they will face disciplinary action, including fines, suspension of duties or even court-martial. While not all specimens are chosen for LSD testing, it’s a possibility that you deserve to know about.
FAQs About the Military & Drugs
In the Navy, they only test for LSD is they suspect that servicemembers are using the drug. The unit must first request authorization from their Service Drug Demand Reduction contact point. Specimens that are tested for LSD must be marked as such.
What Is the Cut Off for Military Drug Tests?
If you mean the cutoff for marijuana (THC), it’s 15 ng/mL. There is no known cutoff for LSD or its metabolites.
Was LSD Used in the Army?
The U.S. Army experimented with LSD in the 1960s as an enhanced-interrogation technique. This means they administered the drug to people in order to extract information. It’s not currently used in the military in any capacity.
What Drugs Do the Marines Test For?
The Marines routinely test for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, MDA, opioids (e.g., codeine and morphine), benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam), and synthetic cannabinoids. LSD testing is only done if there is suspected abuse of the drug in the unit.
Can You Fight a Failed Drug Test in the Military?
Applicants may reapply 90 days after their failed drug test. If they test positive for the second time, they won’t be able to join any branch of the military. Active-duty members cannot retake the test to avoid disciplinary action. They may not even be assigned a free military defense counsel until they’ve already faced consequences.
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