Saturday, January 02, 2010

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Bans Use of Spice and Salvia Divinorum Along with Other Uncontrolled or Un-Regulated Psychotropic Substances

New general order prohibits Spice, Salvia use for service members

12/22/2009

By Lance Cpl. Michael Atchue

Marine Corps Base

Camp Pendleton


A new punitive general order concerning the use of uncontrolled or un-regulated psychotropic substances by service members has been disseminated by Commander Marine Corps Forces, Pacific and became effective on Dec. 1.


According to MARFORPAC Order 5355.2, the substances known as Spice and Salvia Divinorum, while not listed as a controlled substance and highly accessible by service members, are hereby prohibited to all service members assigned within the MARFORPAC chain of command.


The provisions of the order prohibit the actual or attempted possession, use, sale, distribution or manufacture of Spice, Salvia and any derivative, analogue or variant of either substance.


According to the order, these substances are being used solely for the purpose of a psychotropic “high” when ingested or smoked, and have a high potential to negatively affect the safety, health, welfare and performance of Marines and sailors. Additionally, mission accomplishment, national security and good order and discipline of all units can also be compromised.


Known affects of the substances include hallucinations, changes in perception, body or object distortion, loss of coordination and concentration, decreased motor function and impairment of short-term memory. These side effects will likely cause users to suffer adverse physical reactions or engage in unlawful conduct due to impaired judgment, the order stated.


Although SECNAVINST 5300.28D currently prohibits the unlawful use of any natural substance, with the intent to induce intoxication, excitement, or stupefaction of the central nervous system, the MARFORPAC punitive order specifically targets the psychotropic substances Spice and Salvia Divinorum that are legally obtainable on the open market.


This new order eliminates the ambiguity,” said John Veneziano, director, Consolidated Substance Abuse Counseling Center.


Any violation of the order may result in disciplinary action. According to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Marines and sailors under the command of MARFORPAC can be punished for violation of the punitive general order under Article 92.


Common names for Spice include Genie, K2, Skunk, Spice Diamond, Spice Gold, Spice Silver, Yucatan Fire and Zohai.


Common names for Salvia Divinorum are Diviner’s Sage, Magic Mint, Maria Pastora, Sage of the Seers and Sally-D.


“Any unlawful substance that alters a service member’s state of mind is prohibited to all military personnel,” Veneziano added. “However, no matter what substance a service member is having an issue with, be it prescription, over-the-counter, illegal drugs or alcohol, CSACC is available to provide treatment.”


For more information about Spice and Salvia Divinorum, or to ask about drug and alcohol abuse assistance, visit your unit Substance Abuse Counseling Officer or call CSACC at (760) 725-5538.



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