It’s hard enough navigating what’s legal and what’s not in the United States, especially from state to state. The federal government has agreed on one thing, all cannabis products containing traces of THC, less than 0.3%, are deemed legal. 

Even though this is the case, a recent memo sent out by the Naval War College (NWC), obtained by Marijuana Moment, stipulates that members of the Navy are prohibited from using these legal goods. 

In fact, the memo specifically called out the new beverage from Rockstar, owned by Pepsi Co., “Rockstar Unplugged,” which contains hemp seed oil. The memo allegedly warned that the Navy “will” test positive on drug tests if they were to ingest the beverage. 

According to Marijuana Moment, the NWC described the Rockstar Unplugged beverage as a “newer energy drink infused with hemp seed oil that will cause you and your Sailors to pop-positive on drug tests.”

There’s something off about the recent memo, whether the NWC isn’t entirely aware that hemp seed oil is far different from marijuana extract, or it simply doesn’t want Navy members to take part in ingesting something from an industry as stigmatized as cannabis. 

Marijuana Moment also pointed out that because Pepsi Co. owns Rockstar, wouldn’t you think Pepsi would be cautious about rolling out a product that could land individuals a positive drug test? 

There’s also no word on how the NWC came to this conclusion, and we’re almost certain the College didn’t test it out themselves. 

Whatever their reasoning is, the recent message is as follows; 

“Sailors and Marines are prohibited from using any product made or derived from hemp, including CBD, regardless of the product’s THC concentration, claimed or actual, and regardless of whether such product may lawfully be bought, sold, and used under the law applicable to civilians…Please be mindful of the food/beverages you consume.”

Other reports explain that Rockstar Unplugged is entirely THC-free. The beverages come in three flavors and were designed to boost energy, similar to all original Rockstar beverages. 

The Rockstar Unplugged drinks contain hemp seed oil, spearmint, and lemon balm with a moderate dose of caffeine.