JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The Drug Enforcement Administration launched a 30-day process Nov. 24, to put an emergency ban on the chemicals found in "Spice" for at least one year while the DEA and the United States Department of Health and Human Services conduct studies to determine whether these chemicals should be permanently controlled.
"Spice" is sold as an all-natural incense and can be laced with chemicals that mimic Tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in marijuana, which create a "euphoric" or "high" feeling.
"It smokes like marijuana, gets you high like marijuana, is roughly the same price as marijuana, but is a synthetic compound," Sue Scheddel, 779th Medical Operations Squadron Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program manager said.
"Spice is dangerous particularly because it is a manufactured substance, with no oversight over what kind and quantity of chemicals are contained in each package," said Ms. Scheddell.
"Individuals taking "Spice" often find that they need to take more of it over time in order to get the same effect; this symptom of tolerance is comparable to that from marijuana, alcohol, and other drugs, both legal and illegal," Ms. Scheddell said.
As of June 9, Maj. Gen. Darrell D. Jones, Air Force District of Washington commander, implemented a memorandum changing Air Force Instruction 44-121, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program, which banned the use of "Spice" Air Force wide.
The memorandum states, "In order to ensure military readiness; safeguard the health and wellness of the force; and maintain good order and discipline in the service, the knowing use of any intoxicating substance, other than the lawful use of alcohol or tobacco products, that is inhaled, injected, consumed, or introduced into the body in any manner to alter mood or function is prohibited."
Being a military member is a 24-hour job, and it is the duty of all members to be not only physically, but mentally fit to do their job at a moment's notice.
"Our missions at Andrews, Bolling, and the Pentagon are too important to have people impaired through illegal use of "Spice." Buying, distributing, or using "Spice" is prohibited by the UCMJ, and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," said Colonel Ken Rizer, 11th Wing/ Joint Base Andrews commander.
Currently, the 11th Security Forces Squadron is gathering information from smoke shops in Maryland within a 30-mile radius of Andrews, calling to verify which of them in fact sell "Spice." They plan to use this information to update the off-limits list commonly known as the "black list."
Colonel Rizer said they are also working closely with county and state leaders on a push to make "Spice" illegal in Maryland.
During the temporary control of the chemicals, they will be designated as Schedule 1 substances. Schedule 1 is the most restrictive category which includes heroin and cocaine. This category is the most restrictive and is typically reserved for "unsafe, highly abused substances with no medical usage."
"The ADAPT program at Andrews offers a wide range of screening, education, prevention and treatment services that could be useful to individuals dealing with a problem with "Spice" or similar substances," said Ms. Scheddell. "If you or someone you know are concerned about substance abuse, please contact the ADAPT program for more information."
The ADAPT program on Andrews can be reached 240-857-8950.