The 1MAR2010 issue of the Air Force Times is reporting on Salvia divinorum (Sal D) and "Spice" abuse. The substance is loosely regulated and has LSD like effects. There is a corps wide ban for the USMC and The AF Spec. Ops Command.
"Spice" is a product of Europe. It is made from plant materials that are sprayed with Salvinorin A. (Sal A) , and sold as incense. Sal A is the prime active molecule in Sal D. Sal A is a hallucinogenic compound with psychedelic/dissociative effects,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SalvinorinA, . Sal A is noted to be the only known compound in this class that acts as a kappa opiod agonist. Sal A does not activate the serotonin 2A receptor. Spice is being ingested orally and smoked to produce its psychedelic effects. I have not seen any reports of parenteral use, though is probably has been tried.
In looking to the DEA Office of Diversion Control,
www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov, Sal A and Sal D have regulatory controls in 14 states. Several other states have legeslation proposed to regulate these compounds. Several European nations have imposed regulations on Sal A and Sal D. The AF Times article reports that in addition to the USMC and AF Spec Ops, Special Operations Command and several AF facilities have banned Spice and Sal A&D.
The crux of the problem here is the ability to purchase Spice OTC. The purchase is of a potent LSD like drug that has, "unpredictable outcomes when ingested" . There is no control in production of Spice; the active ingredients can vary vastly from packet to packet. While Sal A & D have been around since isolated in 1982, Spice is the new delivery system to watch for.
Be well!
RF 1