So, there are substances that are completely unlike previously illegal drugs and there are legal substances that are like the illegal ones. However, the regulations were intelligently updated with the following careful words to make sure that no soldier would be legally exercising the same loopholes that civilians can use.
The Regulations(Edit)
Quoting AR 600-85 page 38, section 4-2, paragraph p:
"In addition, this regulation prohibits Soldiers from using Hemp or products containing Hemp oil. It also prohibits using the following substances for the purpose of inducing excitement, intoxication, or stupefaction of the central nervous system. This provision is not intended to prohibit the otherwise lawful use of alcoholic beverages.
- Controlled substance analogues (designer drugs).
- Chemicals, propellants, or inhalants (huffing).
- Dietary supplements that are banned by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
- Prescription or over-the-counter drugs and medications (when used in a manner contrary to their intended medical purpose or in excess of the prescribed dosage).
- Naturally occurring substances (to include but not limited to Salvia Divinorum, Jimson Weed, and so forth)."
Commentary(Edit)
Unless you can say you aren't using that substance to "excite", "intoxicate", or "stupefy" the Central Nervous System (which includes the brain), then I guess there is no room in this Regulation for using that substance.
However, it is interesting that they excluded alcohol but did not do so for tobacco/nicotine, caffeine, natural remedies, etc. It seems like they worded it as broadly as possible so they could stop Soldiers from subverting their rules; the need to keep existing habits intact (such as coffee or cigarettes), seems to be relegated to a 2nd chair.