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Leaders warn that popular ‘Spice’ abuse can ruin career

  • Published
  • By Micah Garbarino
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Any kind of drug abuse is strictly prohibited in the Department of Defense. Air Force leaders at Tinker take illegal drug use seriously as evidenced by the aggressive Drug-Demand Reduction program and random screenings like the recent Operation Nighthawk.

Still, some people will try anything to get high. Hence, the rise in popularity of a cannabis-like substance called "Spice," which is becoming a drug of choice because it can be purchased legally at smoke shops nationwide. AFMCs Command Chief Master Sgt. Eric Jaren, warned against Spice abuse during a recent visit to Tinker.

Spice is a blend of several different herbs and is normally officially sold as incense. Most packets of "Spice" specifically warn against human ingestion.

When medical officials tested the substance, they found several ingredients present that were not listed on the packaging and determined that it was unclear what ingredients were causing the cannabis-like effects. This prompted officials in countries such as Germany, France and the UK to outlaw spice.

"Abuse of Spice, like any drug, will result in criminal or administrative consequences against the military perpetrator. Utilizing the legal substance of Spice for the purpose of altering one's mind qualifies as drug abuse, much like huffing gasoline or paint," said Capt. Kurt Gerlach, Chief of Military Justice in the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Judge Advocate General Office.

While possession of the substance is legal in most jurisdictions within the United States, some military commands have general orders prohibiting even possession of Spice, meaning perpetrators will face criminal or administrative consequences for mere possession.

For instance, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, seven Airmen received discharges after being caught using "Spice" after their commander had expressly forbidden it. As such, Tinker officials are warning Airmen to steer clear of abusing this product or it will kill their careers.