Synthetic Marijuana Is Problem for U.S. Military
Dec 30, 2011
U.S. troops are increasingly using an easy-to-get herbal mix called "Spice." The drug mimics a marijuana high, is hard to detect, and can bring on hallucinations that last for days. The abuse of the substance has so alarmed military officials that they've launched an aggressive testing program. In 2011, the testing program has led to the investigation of more than 1,100 suspected users. While the problem has surfaced in all branches of the military, the Navy has been the most aggressive in drawing attention to the problem, including producing a video to educate sailors about Spice’s dangers and publicizing busts.
Synthetic pot is readily available on the Internet and has become popular nationwide in recent years, but its use among troops and sailors has raised concerns among the Pentagon leadership. "You can just imagine the work that we do in a military environment," said Mark Ridley, deputy director of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, adding, "you need to be in your right mind when you do a job.” Additionally, so much is still unknown about the drug, including its effects on people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or traumatic brain injuries.
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ABC News