Synthetic drug, real trouble

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Coleman
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Spice, it may seem to be a harmless way to relax and easily purchased at a local smoke shop.

Spice, often sold in small foil packets claiming to be incense or herbal remedies, is illegal for servicemembers under military law and policies by the Department of Defense. Pacific Air Forces Airmen have been banned from using the product since February, along with the use of household chemicals as inhalants and other chemical inhalants along with abusing over-the-counter medications.

"The abuse of these products by military members contradicts the nature of our profession of arms, threatens our military readiness and diminishes our ability to conduct the mission entrusted to us," said Gen. Gary North, PACAF commander.

Although synthetic cannabis does not produce positive results in drug tests for cannabis, it is possible to detect its metabolites through urinalysis.

On November 24, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency announced it would make five synthetic cannabinoids Schedule I drugs within a month using emergency powers. Schedule I drugs are drugs with a high potential for abuse, no current accepted medical use, and no known acceptable safe use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.

Prior to the announcement, several states had already made Spice illegal under state law.

While it may seem like a small offense, it can have very serious consequences for Airmen.

"The best advice I have is don't do it," said Investigator Anthony Mosher, 354th Security Forces Squadron, "when you get caught, your career is done. Smoking spice has the same consequences as smoking pot or doing cocaine for military members."

According to Investigator Jessica Baker, 354th SFS, individuals in possession of spice, not just using it, can also be dishonorably discharged.

Often caught by dorm inspections, several Airmen at Eielson have already seen the effects of being caught smoking spice.

Violating Air Force Instruction 44-121, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program, is punishable by a dishonorable discharge, confinement for two years, total forfeiture of all pay and allowances. Enlisted members also face reduction to the lowest enlisted grade.