Legal, medical implications of toxicating substances

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Samantha Timm
  • 341st Medical Operations Squadron
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  "Spice" or "K2," is an herbal mixture sprayed with chemicals that's meant to create a high similar to smoking marijuana, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Though it does not specifically contain tetrahydrocannabinol, or commonly known as THC, Spice and similar intoxicants are also considered drugs and their misuse is prohibited.

One of the most important reasons Airmen are restricted from using Spice is because of the potentially dangerous side effects it can cause. The manufacturing isn't closely controlled and there can be unknown dangerous ingredients. Some of the reported side effects include hallucinations, vomiting, hyper-aggressive behavior, rapid heart rate and confusion. Spice can also raise blood pressure and cause reduced blood supply to the heart (myocardial ischemia). In a few cases it has been associated with heart attacks.

Though most individuals have probably heard of Spice, there are other marijuana-related products. One of the most recent products gaining attention is called "Cheeba Chews." Sold as an edible medical marijuana product, the manufacturer website purports the product as a "superfood." While the package looks like a regular piece of candy or taffy, the product contains either THC or hemp oil, depending upon whether you have the "medicated" or "un-medicated" version. Both forms of the product can cause a positive drug urinalysis for THC.

Recent guidance from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness and Force Management reaffirmed the prohibition of marijuana use by military personnel and civilian federal employees, regardless of state, district or territorial legislation permitting the use of marijuana, to include medical use.

The Air Force is concerned with deterrence of all illegal drug use and inappropriate use of other intoxicating substances to maintain the highest level of mission readiness. The Air Force has a zero-tolerance policy on drug abuse. Military members are not allowed to use marijuana or any similar substances at any time. Individuals who violate the policy are liable for having disobeyed a lawful general order or regulation, which is a violation of Article 92, Uniform Code of Military Justice.