Military Personnel Caught With Spice and other 'Designer Drugs' Face Serious Consequences
The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines are ramping up their efforts to go after military personnel using substances often called 'designer drugs.'
March 25, 2011
The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines are ramping up their efforts to go after military personnel using substances often called 'designer drugs.' In particular, the military Services are seeking to punish the use and trafficking in a chemical compound commonly referred to as Spice.Marketed and sold as incense, Spice produces effects similar to marijuana when smoked. Until recently, the sale of Spice has been legal in all states. However, for those in the military, they must know that just because something is legally available for sale to civilians does not mean that it can be legally used by servicemembers. In the case of Spice, it cannot be.
The top commanders in all the Services are issuing orders forbidding the use of Spice and other designer drugs. Servicemembers can face serious penalties for violating these general orders, even if a specific substance has not been expressly forbidden by name in the orders, as Spice has been.
Sixteen sailors onboard the amphibious assault ship Bataan were discharged for using or selling spice. Of these servicemembers, 15 were subject to non-judicial punishment (NJP) for failing to adhere to the ban on spice, and one faced trial by court-martial. This year, 11 midshipmen at the Naval Academy have been expelled for similar activities. With the most recent discharges, Naval Academy spokesman Commander Joe Carpenter noted that the Naval Academy is aggressively targeting spice usage.
The civilian drug laws regarding spice are slowly catching up with those of the military. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) used its emergency powers to ban the sale of the chemicals used in spice and other forms of synthetic marijuana, effective March 1. These chemicals will be banned for at least one year, while the DEA further investigates the effects of these substances.
Regardless of what the DEA ultimately decides to do regarding spice, the important thing for servicemembers to know is that allegations of using or possessing spice can have life and career-altering consequences.
Those who have been accused of using or possessing any illicit substances should speak with a knowledgeable military defense attorney. A military defense lawyer can help evaluate the case and determine the best course of action.
Article provided by Patrick J. McLain
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