Kirtland CC Policy on Using Spice

  • Published
  • 377 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base,NM --  The installation commander issued an order March 31 prohibiting the use of "Spice" for all military personnel assigned to Kirtland AFB.

Recent Department of Defense reports show a rise in military personnel using Spice which is a brand name for a mix of herbs sold as incense and as a smoking blend for cigarettes.

Spice can be purchased in local stores and via the Internet and is currently not on the list of controlled substances that are banned in the U.S. The Drug Enforcement Agency, however, determined one of the potential ingredients in Spice is HU-210 which is a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act.

A Schedule I controlled substance means it is not considered legitimate for medical use, has a high potential for abuse and is illegal to use without special licensure. Spice on the other hand is listed as "Drugs and Chemicals of Concern."

Although use of Spice may not be punishable under federal laws, Airmen can be punished under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

"The use of any product, other than alcohol, including Spice, for intoxication, altering mood or function, to receive a psychoactive effect or for the purpose of getting high constitutes abuse of such a product and compromises the safety, security and welfare of the Kirtland AFB community," stated Col. Michel Duvall, 377th Air Base Wing commander in memorandum issued to base military members.

Use of Spice can cause psychedelic and psychoactive side effects similar to marijuana including decreased motor function, loss of concentration and impairment of short-term memory.

The substance can also be addictive, resulting in withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, palpitations, headaches, nausea, vomiting, depression and desperation.

"[Use of such products] violates our nation's trust in us to provide nuclear surety and combat readiness," Colonel Duvall stated. "Such substance abuse contradicts the foundation of our profession of arms, is inconsistent with DoD and Air Force regulations and is incompatible with military service."

To view the 377 ABW/CC Memorandum on Spice, click here.