Air Force Testing for Spice Published June 20, 2011 By Master Sgt. Scott Palmer Drug Demand Reduction Office PATRICK AFB, Fla. -- The Air Force began drug testing Airmen Feb. 22 to determine whether they are using Spice -- the street term for a range of designer synthetic-cannabinoid products. The Patrick Air Force Base Drug Demand Reduction Office is in full compliance with the Air Force requirement and is currently testing Airmen for Spice. Use of these substances is strictly prohibited for Airmen. The prohibition is contained both in AFI 44-120, Military Drug Demand Reduction Program and the AF Guidance Memorandum to AFI 44-121, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program Airmen who use Spice are subject to prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Air Force officials to include Patrick AFB have taken disciplinary action against Airmen identified as using Spice and continue to aggressively enforce the prohibition through courts-martial and nonjudicial punishment. In 2010, 177 Airmen received nonjudicial punishment for using Spice and another 83 Airmen faced Spice charges at courts-martial. With the implementation of testing, officials intend to send a very clear message: use Spice and you may lose your career, end up in jail or both. "Spice, also commonly referred to as herbal incense, is mistakenly perceived by some Airmen as a legal or safe alternative to marijuana," said Dr. Aaron Jacobs, the Air Force Drug Testing program manager. "Side effects can include panic attacks, hallucinations, elusions, vomiting, increased agitation and dilated pupils." "Additional harmful effects are still unknown, so individuals are taking significant risks to their health when they use Spice," he said. Drug Enforcement Administration officials recently took steps toward listing five chemicals used to make Spice as schedule I controlled substances, meaning they are illegal to possess, distribute or manufacture in the U.S. Air Force Drug Testing Lab technicians will utilize the expertise of the Armed Forces Medical Examiners Systems to conduct the specialized testing. Dr. Jacobs added that the Air Force is also mounting a robust education and awareness campaign to ensure all Airmen understand the risks of possessing and/or consuming these dangerous products.