COMACC issues general order

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. William-Joseph K. Mojica
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
6/7/2010--DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The commercially sold psychoactive hallucinogenic plants Salvia Divinorum ("Salvia" or its active component, Salvinorin A) and spice are prohibited for possession and use by military members within Air Combat Command, according to a major command policy letter released in April.

Gen. William M. Fraser III, ACC commander, issued the general order and explained that it "applies to all military members assigned or attached to ACC, including those assigned to tenant units on ACC bases, members assigned to joint bases under ACC cognizance, active duty personnel on temporary duty, Air Force Reserve Command personnel on orders or on inactive duty training status, and Air National Guard members upon mobilization assigned or attached within ACC."

Salvia Divinorum, also known as "Sally D" and "Magic Mint," is commonly smoked or chewed, producing a perception of bright lights, vivid colors, shapes and distorted objects. The plant affects the central nervous system and alters brain functions.

Spice, including golden spice, is a mixture of herbs with hallucinogenic effects. The quantity and toxicity of the herbs varies in each product, making some more potent than others. It's typically consumed by smoking, creating a euphoric feeling similar to cannabis.

"Failure to obey this order constitutes a violation of Article 92, Uniform Code of Military Justice, and may result in disciplinary or adverse administrative action," said General Fraser.

The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology staff currently tests for salvia in blood and urine. AFIP officials are also in the process of developing a urine/blood test for spice.

When asked about the new policy, Col. Robert Gass, 7th Bomb Wing commander, said, "COMACC has made the policy regarding Salvia and/or Spice use perfectly clear. The 7th BW will continue to deter all drug offenses and pursue offenders."

Click here to see the policy letter signed by General Fraser.