New law: 'Spice' now carries same penalty as heroin, ecstasy Published Dec. 15, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Robert Shavers Legal office KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Synthetic marijuana, commonly referred to as Spice, has been a continuous problem at Keesler. Sometimes Spice has been referred to as the "marijuana of theAir Force." The chemicals in Spice imitate THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, and haven't been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The makers of Spice usually have the phrase "not for human consumption" displayed on the packaging of their products. Brands like "Spice," "K2," "Blaze," and "Red X Dawn" label their packages as incense to hide their intended purpose, but users purchase these products to smoke like marijuana. Feelings of sickness and nausea are common side effects of smoking Spice. Spice has been banned Air Force-wide since June 9 when Guidance Memorandum 44-121 went into effect. Prior to that, use of Spice was prohibited by general orders signed by wing commanders and major commands across the Air Force. Nov. 24, the Drug Enforcement Administration categorized five variations of Spice as Schedule 1 controlled substances, placing them in the same drug category as heroin and ecstasy. This means that the possession, use, sale, and distribution of these five variations will be considered afederal crime by civilian authorities and charged as violations of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice Article 112a, which carries a maximum penalty of forfeiture of all pay and allowances, a dishonorable discharge and five years confinement in the military justice system. In 2010, there have been about 30 cases involving Spice use among Keesler Airmen. The severity of punishment is determined by the immediate commander and differs with each case. The most severe punishments imposed on Keesler Airmen for using Spice have included a reduction in rank to airman basic, forfeiture of a half month's pay for two months, and an administrative discharge with a characterization of "under other than honorable conditions." In the special court-martial cases for Spice use, the Airmen were found guilty, and in addition to the sentence and subsequent discharge, now have federal convictions on their records. As a result of this growing problem, commanders and first sergeants have been encouraged to increase physical checks, such as dorm and vehicle inspections, in order to crack down on Spice use Air Force-wide. For more information, call the legal office, 376-8602.