Salvia off limits to Airmen; illegal substance in Florida

  • Published
  • By Capt. Mollie Pullins
  • 6th Medical Group Pharmacy
Col. Lawrence Martin, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, recently issued a policy regarding "Use of Intoxicating Substances, Other than Alcohol." This policy mentions the misuse of the herbal supplements Salvia divinorum, and Spice by military personnel. 

This order prohibits all US Air Force personnel assigned or attached to the 6 AMW or MacDill AFB, from the possession or use of these drugs in any form. Any use of these drugs would be a violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Salvia divinorum (known also as Salvia, Diviner's Sage, Maria Pastora, Sally D, Mexican Sage and Divine Mexican Mint) is a perennial herb with hallucinogenic properties. 

Although the plant is native to Mexico, it has been gaining popularity in the United States due to information easily accessed on the internet. Many websites market Salvia as a recreational drug. Internet sites claim Salvia is a legal and natural way to get high, alleging it is a safe and non-habit forming substitute to illicit drugs. Spice generally contains a mixture of Salvia and other psychotropic herbs. 

The plant is usually smoked or chewed as a recreational hallucinogen. It produces effects such as the perception of bright lights, vivid colors and shapes, uncontrolled laughter and a detached perception of reality. This last effect can lead to the inability to interact with one's surroundings, bringing about concerns of driving under the influence. 

Other effects include nausea, dizziness, slurred speech, confusion and paranoia. Most
effects tend to last 30 minutes, but there have been some instances of paranoia and slowed speech lasting for several days after use. Demographic information of abusers is limited; however use tends to be more common in young adults aged 18-25 years. Males are also more likely than females to use this drug. Although many web sites claim that it is a legal hallucinogen, many states have placed regulatory controls on divinorum. As of November 2008, Florida is one of 13 states to have placed this drug into Schedule I status. This classification means Salvia, a) has a high potential for abuse, b) has no currently accepted medical use in the U.S, and c) has a lack of safety information for use under medical supervision. The Schedule I status of Salvia in Florida means that possession carries a sentence of up to five years in prison. The Drug Enforcement Agency is also currently reviewing this drug for possible controlled substance regulation. 

In conclusion, internet marketing of S.divinorum as being a natural and legal alternative
to illicit drugs is widespread. The effects of this hallucinogen include confusion, paranoia, slurred speech and a diminished sense of reality. Contrary to what many Web sites claim, this drug is illegal in many states including Florida. Possession or use of Salvia in any form is prohibited by any Air Force personnel attached to the 6 AMW and is punishable by the UCMJ. We all need to be aware of the effects of this drug and subsequent consequences both as a civilian and military member.