Spice

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kenneth W. Norman
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla --  Thirteen Airmen were offered non-judicial punishment on Oct. 21 for suspected use of a synthetic cannabis known as "Spice."

All thirteen Airmen accepted non-judicial punishment.

Some Airmen may not be aware that the rules on using Spice have changed. Earlier this year, Air Force Instruction 44-121, was amended to make the use of any substance used to alter mood or function (other than alcohol or tobacco) illegal for Air Force members, said Captain Jarrod Stuard, 97th Air Mobility Wing Judge Advocate's office. This includes "Spice" and the herb Salvia divinorum (also known as Diviner's Sage/Mint, Seer's Sage/Mint, Pastora, Sally-D).

Additionally, as of Nov. 1, it is illegal to misuse "Spice" in the state of Oklahoma.

"The use of illegal drugs and misuse of legal drugs has no place in the Air Force. Airmen remain our most valuable weapons system; we simply cannot afford to have anyone in our wing under the influence of illegal substances or misused prescription drugs," said Colonel Ty Thomas, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander.

Any Air Force member who uses this drug opens themselves to a wide range of discipline, to include a trial by court martial, said Capt. Stuard. Use of Spice products is also a violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Maximum
punishment in a general court martial setting for violating Article 92 is a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement in jail for a maximum of two years. If convicted, it is a federal conviction.

"The legal office will work with commanders to determine the most appropriate forum and punishment in each case to ensure good order and discipline is maintained on Altus Air Force Base," Capt. Stuard said.

"Spice" is a brand name for a mixture of herbs sold as incense, as well as an herbal smoking blend, said Donna L. Butte, Demand Reduction Program Manager here. It is usually smoked for its purported cannabis-like effects which are believed to be caused by a mixture of synthetic cannabinoid drugs. The quantity and toxicity of the herbs varies in each product, making some more potent than others.

"The use of Spice is extremely dangerous- one bad dose could cost you your life," Butte said.

"The effects of spice that have been reported are delusions, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, paranoia, increased aggravation, panic attacks, dilated pupils, elevated blood pressure, elevated heart rate and vomiting," Butte said.

For more information on the effects of Spice, salvia, and other drug use, contact Mrs. Butte, 481-5998.