CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Airmen have another potentially harmful drug to worry about, not only to their health but to their careers: Salvia Divinorum.
This drug, sometimes called Diviner's Sage, is considered legal under civilian law, but if an Airman is found to have smoked or ingested this drug, there could be lasting ramifications to a career.
Salvia Divinorum is a mint plant grown in Mexico that can produce a hallucinogenic experience for the user when it is smoked or ingested.
Although Salvia Divinorum can be purchased legally within many states or on the Internet, a military member who uses this drug to get intoxicated has violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice. If caught, an Airman faces the full range of disciplinary actions and could lead to a court-martial for using or distributing the drug.
"If a member is caught using Salvia Divinorum, that person is subject to Article 134 under the UCMJ," said Capt. Erin Zweigart, 437th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate chief of general law. "Just because it's legal does not make it okay for a service member to use it."
Captain Zweigart went on to explain why it was illegal in the military.
"As military members, we are held to a higher standard. We are entrusted by the American taxpayers to defend the country and to safeguard government property under our control. If a member is taking this substance; just like any other substance that alters a person's actions or behavior, that member could put others at risk or cause property damage. In the end, the member could cost the taxpayer more money to replace equipment or to take care of an injured individual."
Captain Zweigart warns of ways an Airman may be tempted to use this drug though it is against the UCMJ.
"It is important, especially for younger Airmen who may hear from a civilian friend that it's legal under state law, but under military law, if you use this drug, you are subject to the UCMJ," Captain Zweigart said. "If your civilian friend uses it he may not get in trouble, but you, as a service member, could face disciplinary action, including a discharge."
Not only do Airmen have to worry about the effect the drug may have on their careers, there are medical issues to be aware of if using this drug.
To date, Salvia Divinorum is considered to be non-toxic, but there are side effects that individuals should be aware of, said Staff Sgt. Crystal Lovelace, 437th Medical Group NCO in charge of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program.
Side effects include hallucinations, time distortion, social dissociation, altered thoughts, increased sensations, changes in body temperature, sense of fear panic or increased perspiration.
"Intoxication from the drug lasts anywhere from five minutes to an hour depending on the method of intake into the body," said Sergeant Lovelace. "As for long-term effects, they have just started to research this drug so there are no studies to show if there are any long-term effects as of yet."
Currently, the Air Force is not testing for this substance because it has not been deemed illegal, Sergeant Lovelace said.
"But if an Airman is suspected to be using or abusing any substance, the commander can order a drug screening that will cover all currently known abused drugs, to include Salvia."