From The Directors Desk (What is Spice? Why is it so popular?)

When I first caught wind that the AirForce was testing for Spice, and, those that tested positive would be subject to UCMJ and adminstrativly discharged from service it blew my mind. I said to myself, what the heck is Spice? This then took me on a journey to learn more about this new era drug that sounds like something that needs to be in someones kitchen.

I cruised various sites and looked at multiple descriptions and facts about the drug spice. I was very shocked at some of what I read about this new drug. What I found out was that Spice is slang for synthetic cannabis.

It was once an actual brand but has become shorthand for a wide variety of similar products. It’s a mixture of herbs that have had synthetic cannabinoids sprayed on them. One of these cannabinoids is called JWH-018 and was invented in a lab to help with pain. The point of experimenting with cannabinoids was to eliminate the effects of cannabinoids that create a “high” while maintaining the pain relief effects. With JWH-018, this did not happen – actually JWH-018 is very potent, more potent than many forms of marijuana.

One of the reasons Spice has taken off in popularity is that JWH-018 can be made easily by combining a few commercial products. Its first non-lab use was in Asia, where it became an aid for plant growth. Much of the Spice you see in the United States still comes from manufacturers in Asia. Its purpose in the United States is quite different though – it is smoked by people for a high that is still legal federally and in most states.

Spice is marketed in the U.S. as “incense.” This is to prevent it from having to adhere to regulations were it can be labeled as a medicine or “smokable product.” It usually comes in a little pouch. The ingredients listed on the pouches do not always reflect what’s actually inside the pouch.

Typically Spice is smoked the same as marijuana would be. Its many names and brands are: Algerian Blend, Genie, k2, Smoke, Chill X, Sense, Yucatan Fire, Spice Diamond, Spice Silver, Spice Gold.

What are your thoughts on Spice?