Air Force has new weapon in fight against Spice

WASHINGTON — Air Force officials began drug testing Airmen Tuesday to determine whether they are using Spice — the street term for a range of designer synthetic-cannabinoid products.

With the implementation of testing, officials intend to send a very clear message: use Spice and you may lose your career, end up in jail or both, officials said.
“Spice, also commonly referred to as herbal incense, is mistakenly perceived by some Airmen as a legal or safe alternative to marijuana,” said Dr. Aaron Jacobs, the Air Force Drug Testing program manager.

Side effects of using Spice can include panic attacks, hallucinations, delusions, vomiting, increased agitation and dilated pupils, he said.

“Additional harmful effects are still unknown, so individuals are taking significant risks to their health when they use Spice,” Dr. Jacobs said.

Drug Enforcement Administration officials recently took steps toward listing five chemicals used to make Spice as schedule I controlled substances, meaning they will be illegal to possess, distribute or manufacture in the U.S.

According to the DEA website, this action was taken as an emergency measure due to an increasing number of reports from poison control centers, hospitals and law enforcement agencies regarding these products.

Use of these substances is strictly prohibited for Airmen. The prohibition is contained both in AFI 44-120, Military Drug Demand Reduction Program and the AFGM to AFI 44-121, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program.
Airmen who use Spice are subject to prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Air Force officials have taken disciplinary action against Airmen identified as using Spice and continue to aggressively enforce the prohibition through courts-martial and nonjudicial punishment.

Last year, 177 Airmen received nonjudicial punishment for using Spice and another 83 Airmen faced charges at courts-martial of using Spice.

Air Force Drug Testing Lab technicians will utilize the expertise of the Armed Forces Medical Examiners Systems to conduct the specialized testing.

Dr. Jacobs added that the Air Force is also mounting a robust education and awareness campaign to ensure all Airmen understand the risks of possessing and/or consuming these dangerous products.