FDA does not regulate the psychotropic drug, available via e-cigarettes or vaping.
The Department of Defense has added blue lotus, a drug from the Egyptian flower Nymphaea caerulea, to its banned substance list. The drug, which may support sleep and address anxiety, can cause paranoia, hallucinations, and even seizures.
Blue lotus is available in most U.S. states, particularly in the form of vape and electronic cigarette products, as it is not classified as a controlled substance. A study conducted in 2021 focused on five active-duty service members who had consumed blue lotus products. They experienced altered mental states after using the product, with symptoms ranging from chest pain to disoriented movements and sedation and an inability to recognize their surroundings.
Defense Health Agency Spokesperson Peter Graves said, “While these products are indeed mostly legal, service members are not supposed to be using them.”
“If a service member is using a banned substance, they are subject to the punitive regulations regardless of the substance,” Defense Department Spokesperson Commander Nicole Schwegman stated.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Lt. General Telita Crosland as she serves as director of the Defense Health Agency.
- For Secretary Lloyd Austin as he heads the U.S. Department of Defense.
- For U.S. military health professionals as they work to keep active-duty service members fit and ready to serve.
Sources: Military Times, Air Force Times
