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Clovis businesses selling "spice" off limits to Cannon military

  • Published
  • By 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Three Clovis, N.M., businesses known to be selling the substance known as "spice" have now been ordered off limits to all military service members assigned temporarily or permanently to Cannon Air Force Base by the 27th Special Operations Wing commander.

In a July 9 memorandum to all Cannon personnel, Col. Stephen Clark stated, "I am concerned that allowing military personnel to use these stores will threaten our readiness and ability to conduct the mission entrusted to us. Therefore, after considering the recommendation of the Cannon Air Force Base Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board, I hereby place The Smoke Shack, The Smoke Shack Too and Up in Smoke OFF-LIMITS indefinitely to all military service members assigned temporarily or permanently to Cannon Air Force Base."

According to Air Force Instruction 31-213, Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Boards may be established by installation, base or station commanders to advise and make recommendations to commanders on matters eliminating conditions that adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, morale, and discipline of the Armed Forces.
The "off-limits" designation means that no military member may frequent, use or purchase goods in or from these stores.

Those who fail to obey this order are in violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and may received disciplinary action. Administrative actions such as loss of security clearance, demotion, or even discharge from the U.S. Air Force are also possible forms of punishment for those who violate this order.

This off-limits order follows an Air Force Special Operations policy letter released January, 2010, in which Lt. Gen. Donald Wurster the AFSOC commander, prohibited the use of the commercially sold psychoactive hallucinogenic plants salvia divinorum and spice for Airmen who are permanently assigned, in training or on a temporary duty assignment to AFSOC.

Members who consume these products are also subject to disciplinary action under the UCMJ.

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, producing hallucinogenic effects.

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.

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.