Kava, a traditional beverage from the Pacific Islands, has gained interest for its relaxation properties, leading many to question its interaction with various regulations, particularly military drug testing. This article aims to clarify if kava appears on military drug tests and discuss military policies surrounding its use.
What Kava Is
Kava, derived from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, is a perennial shrub native to the South Pacific Islands. Pacific Island societies have traditionally used kava in social, ceremonial, and medicinal contexts, preparing it as a non-fermented beverage from the rootstock. Its primary active compounds, kavalactones, are responsible for its relaxing effects. In the United States, kava is generally legal and sold as a dietary supplement.
Kavalactones influence the brain’s GABA receptors, which helps regulate stress and relaxation. While kava is associated with mild euphoria and muscle relaxation, it does not contain compounds chemically similar to illicit drugs such as opioids or amphetamines.
Understanding Military Drug Screening
The Department of Defense (DoD) maintains a zero-tolerance policy on illicit drug use to ensure military readiness. Military drug testing programs deter substance use among service members and identify those who may be compromising their performance or the safety of others. Urinalysis is the primary method used for drug testing in the military. Blood and hair follicle tests may also be used in specific circumstances.
Military drug tests typically screen for a comprehensive panel of substances. This includes traditional illicit drugs like marijuana, cocaine, opioids, and amphetamines, as well as designer drugs, synthetic cannabinoids, and certain prescription medications that could impair readiness. The testing process involves an initial immunoassay screening, and any positive results undergo further confirmatory testing using precise methods like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Kava Detection on Drug Tests
Kava and its active compounds, kavalactones, are not part of the standard panels for military drug tests. Military drug screenings focus on controlled substances and other compounds that are legally restricted or have significant abuse potential. Kava is not classified as a controlled substance in the United States.
The chemical structure of kavalactones is distinct from the compounds typically targeted by drug tests, minimizing the likelihood of cross-reactivity. While some herbal supplements can rarely cause false positives, kava is not commonly associated with erroneous results for standard illicit substances. The metabolism of kavalactones by the liver produces metabolites that are distinct from those of controlled substances. Therefore, consuming kava is unlikely to result in a positive drug test for prohibited substances in the military.
Military Regulations on Kava
While kava is not typically detected on military drug tests, its permissibility for military personnel is governed by Department of Defense policies regarding dietary supplements and readiness. The DoD Instruction 6130.06, “Use of Dietary Supplements in the Department of Defense,” provides guidelines for service members and maintains a list of prohibited ingredients.
Kava was added to the DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients List on April 23, 2024. This designation is based on the potential for impairment and threat to military readiness, despite its historical use. Individual service branches, such as the US Army and Air Force, have also categorized kava as a prohibited substance. Service members are generally not allowed to use products containing ingredients on this list.
Substances that could impair judgment, performance, or readiness are prohibited for military personnel. Even if kava does not show up on a drug test, its sedative or relaxing effects could be a concern for operational duties. Military members are advised to consult with medical professionals or their chain of command regarding any dietary supplements and adhere to all service-specific regulations.