'Legal highs' banned by US navy: kratom, salvia, Spice Gold

[chillinwill]

From: http://www.okinawa.usmc.mil/Public%2...919-order.html

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (September 19, 2008) -- In response to a growing trend of abusing legally obtained substances to produce mind-altering experiences, Marine Corps Bases Japan Order 5355.1 was implemented Sept. 10. The new order prohibits the use, possession and distribution of certain substances marketed as "legal highs," base officials announced recently.

These substances, which can be ingested or smoked, include: salvia divinorum, mitragyna speciosa korth, spice, blue lotus, convolvulaceae argyreia nervosa, lysergic acid amide, amanitas mushrooms, datura, absinthe and 5-MEO-DMT.

These substances can produce similar effects as marijuana or lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as LSD.



The new order supplements Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5300.28D, which prohibits abusing lawful substances, such as cough syrup, edge dressing and keyboard cleaner to produce "intoxication, excitement, or stupefaction of the central nervous system." Both MCBJO 5355.1 and SECNAVINST 5300.28D are lawful general orders punishable under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Violators are subject to administrative action, court-martial or both.



The maximum punishment for violating either order is dishonorable discharge, confinement for two years, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and reduction to E-1. Violators can also be processed for administrative separation and receive an other than honorable discharge.

The Marine Corps is taking a zero-tolerance stance on the use and possession of these substances since they are prejudicial to good order and discipline and can be dangerous, officials said.


The new order also applies to non-military Status of Forces Agreement personnel and contractors supporting MCBJ. Although not subject to criminal prosecution, SOFA personnel and contractors could face debarment and loss of command sponsorship for violating the order, officials said.

The driving force behind the new order, officials stated, is to eliminate any uncertainty that substances used to get "high" are prohibited. Enforcement of this new order will help to maintain a positive, disciplined atmosphere on Okinawa. The prohibited substances create a detrimental impact on the Marine Corps' mission on Okinawa and could adversely affect the Corps' relationship with the Japanese population it supports, in addition to being physically harmful to users.



"Any substance abuse can affect individual and unit readiness," said John Velker, the director of the Marine Corps Community Services Substance Abuse Counseling Center.

Velker went on to say substance abuse is typically triggered by unresolved personal issues in the user's life, creating a desire to experience alternate states of consciousness. He stated personnel should seek counseling for trying to deal with things individually.

"There is a better way to live and deal with frustration than trying to get high."