Spice testing is not a rumor Published May 18, 2011 By Special Agent William Glidewell AFOSI Detachment 228 MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- For the past two years, the synthetic marijuana commonly known as spice, has become more prevalent in the military. In February, the military began testing for spice. And in that same month, the Air Force Office of Special Investigation, Detachment 228, began investigating a narcotics ring on Air Force Global Strike Command's Minot Air Force Base. In April, AFOSI received positive results from urinalysis for the synthetics JWC-018 and JWC-073.These are synthetics outlined by the Drug Enforcement Administration as illegal schedule one narcotics, the same synthetics used in spice. Schedule one narcotics are described by the DEA as narcotics possessing no medicinal value, and they often carry heftier penalties, including at least one year in prison. There are many reasons why spice has become attractive to young military members. Spice over the last two years was more accessible than alcohol, and it still is for underage Airmen. Additionally, before spice testing was available, it was harder to detect because of the potpourri like odor it produces and the lack of law enforcement officers being knowledgeable on the new drug. Today, Airmen are ordering, buying, and smoking spice everyday because dealers, head shops, and the internet are telling them it produces the same effects as marijuana and that it is untraceable. However, we know it is very traceable. And while it may be mind-altering, we simply don't know what the long-term effects of spice may be on the human body. The Department of Defense and the Air Force have a zero tolerance policy on mind-altering products, including spice. Using spice can lead to discharge from the military without benefits, which includes losing your Montgomery G.I. Bill. Despite popular belief, the Air Force can test for synthetic marijuana and synthetic cannabis. Many Airmen falsely believe they can only be convicted if they are caught carrying the drug. They are wrong. The military can and does test for these drugs, and a positive test is proof enough to cause an Airman to lose a career.