U.S. troops in Japan cannot purchase a new “instant relaxation” beverage because it contains hemp extract, a prohibited ingredient.
Banned Drink Violates DOD Policy
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) posted a Facebook statement Wednesday confirming that the drink “Chill Out” is off‑limits to service members.
The product, manufactured by Coca‑Cola Japan and sold at 7‑Eleven stores near U.S. bases, includes hemp seed extract.
Hemp is a Cannabis sativa variety that contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act removed low‑THC hemp from the legal definition of marijuana, but the Department of Defense still bars its use by military personnel.
A February 26 DOD memorandum cites the risk that hemp‑derived cannabinoids may produce false‑positive drug test results, undermining the force’s ability to detect illicit THC consumption.
“It is not possible to differentiate between THC derived from legal hemp products and illicit marijuana,” former Undersecretary of Defense Matthew Donovan wrote in the memo.
Product Details and Market Presence
“Chill Out” comes in a 6.2‑ounce silver can with only the brand name printed in English, making accidental ingestion likely for unsuspecting troops.
The beverage also contains L‑theanine, hop extract and gamma‑aminobutyric acid (GABA), which the company claims promote relaxation.
L‑theanine, an amino acid found in tea and certain mushrooms, lacks strong scientific support for improving mental function or relieving anxiety, according to WebMD.
GABA, a naturally occurring brain chemical, has shown efficacy in lowering blood pressure and treating motion sickness, though evidence for stress relief remains limited, WebMD notes.
Coca‑Cola Japan described the drink on August 5 as a “next‑generation relaxation beverage,” emphasizing a shift from energy to calm in response to rising stress levels.
