FORT STEWART, Ga. - I would like to get a message out to everyone about an issue of great concern to me. That issue is the use of synthetic marijuana by our Soldiers. Synthetic marijuana, commonly referred to as Spice, is also known by many street names: K2, Bliss, Black Mamba, Bombay Blue, Blue Lotus, Diamond Spice, Fake Weed, Fire n' Ice, Genie, PEP Spice, Silver Spice, Yukatan Fire Spice, and others. Regardless of the name used, synthetic marijuana is illegal and poses a grave risk to the health of our Soldiers and the readiness of the Marne Division. Recently we have had a surge of incidents involving Spice. This will not be tolerated in the Marne Division, as it degrades our ability to maintain readiness, and negatively impacts performance and discipline.

There are some common misconceptions about Spice which are worth clarifying. First, spice is illegal. Soldiers may believe they are not doing anything wrong because Spice is sold at various stores over the counter or on the internet. However, the use, possession, or distribution of Spice and other synthetic drugs is illegal in accordance with Army Regulation 600-85 (The Army Substance Abuse Program). Violations of this regulation could result in disciplinary action under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Additionally, synthetic marijuana is illegal under both federal and state law. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has declared the most common ingredients found in Spice as illegal Schedule I controlled substances under federal law. The state of Georgia also made the common ingredients of Spice illegal, and has recently expanded this law to outlaw most known synthetic substances.

Another common misperception is that Spice is untraceable through drug testing. This is not true, as Spice can in fact be detected through urinalysis. Earlier this year Department of Defense drug laboratories began initial testing for Spice. This program will be expanded in the coming months. Soldiers testing positive for the use of Spice may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the UCMJ.

While the use of Spice could ruin your career, the more concerning misperception is that Spice is safe. The truth is that synthetic marijuana is extremely dangerous -- far more dangerous than regular marijuana. Spice is commonly sold in tobacco stores in attractive, commercially packaged bags. In an effort to avoid legal ramifications, these bags generally state that the contents are incense and are not intended for human consumption. Do not let the neatly made packaging fool you. Each bag contains different synthetic cannabinoid substances, or "psychoactive compounds," in varying quantities. Spice is extremely dangerous because there is no regulation on the psychoactive compounds used, or the amount contained in each bag. No official study has been conducted on the effects of Spice because the synthetic cannabinoid compounds found in Spice have been determined to be too dangerous to be tested on humans! It is known that Spice can be over 100 times more potent than marijuana, which presents an extremely high potential for overdose. In some cases even a onetime use of Spice has resulted in long lasting and severe medical problems, and other cases have resulted in death. The DEA officially recognizes Spice as a Schedule I Controlled Substance -- the most dangerous category of illegal drugs!

Everyone needs to understand the adverse effect the use of Spice has on your body. Another misconception is that Spice is a marijuana substitute and will provide the same effect. Unlike marijuana, Spice is addictive and can generate dependence, withdrawal symptoms and dangerous side effects. The side effects of using Spice include: seizures, hallucinations, paranoid behavior, panic attacks, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, increased agitation, memory loss, increased heart rate and blood pressure, slurred speech, and it is significantly more likely than marijuana to induce psychosis.

Over the past few months there has been a sharp increase in the number of Spice related incidents for both Soldiers and civilians, which includes teenagers. These incidents include a surge in emergency room visits due to seizures, brain swelling and dangerously high blood pressure. Bottom line, not only is it illegal to use Spice, it is extremely dangerous to yourself and those around you, and is not the smart thing to do.

I directed my staff to develop an awareness training package that was distributed to Third Infantry Division units. We need everyone at all levels to "spread the word" that Spice is extremely dangerous, illegal, and that the Third Infantry Division is implementing testing for use of this type of product. It is vital to our readiness, as well as good order and discipline, that we eliminate this emerging problem.

ROCK OF THE MARNE!