Hallucinogenic Salvia illegal for military members

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Sheri Kangas
  • 1st SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Several Hurlburt Field Airmen are in the midst of legal trouble due to ingesting a psychoactive hallucinogenic plant called Salvia. 

"It's being used for its mind altering effect, with the assumptions it is legal and they won't get into legal trouble," according to Detective Anthony Correia, 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron. 

Between September 2003 and October 2006, six Airmen across the Air Force admitted experimenting with Salvia. 

"The individuals related they didn't know Salvia was illegal for military members," Detective Correia said. 

There are currently seven open cases, and three additional subjects will be interviewed. 

According to AFI 36-3208, drug abuse is incompatible with military service, and Airmen who abuse drugs one or more times are subject to discharge for misconduct - {this} includes any intoxicating substance, other than alcohol, that is consumed, in any manner for purposes of altering mood or function. 

"Using salvia may subject military members to UCMJ action and/or to administrative discharge," said Maj. John Gilliland, 1st Special Operations Wing Judge Advocate Office. "More importantly, getting high on Salvia - or any other drug - potentially endangers the user as well as others and puts the mission at risk." 

The plant is becoming increasingly popular and has already been banned in several states. Salvia was sold locally in cigar or "head shops" that sell drug paraphernalia. 

"After contacting one shop owner and letting them know that is was affecting our Airmen, they would stop selling it," Detective Correia said. 

Airmen experimenting with Salvia may face not only legal issues; they may be risking their health. 

"Research hasn't been done to know what the long term effects of Salvia are," said Dr. (Lt. Col.) Michael Clay, 1 SOMDG/SGH. "However, anything herbal, whether prescription or over the counter, should be used with caution." 

Salvia has many effects on the mind depending on the amount of the drug taken. In higher doses or for first time users, hallucinogenic effects can endanger the user. Often, "sitters" are used to prevent self-harm. This highlights the danger of even casual use. 

"I believe that just reading the instructions would steer anyone away from using Salvia," Correia said. "If anyone comes across any type drug and they are not sure if it's legal or not, they should contact their first sergeant, security forces investigations or the Air Force Office of Special Investigations."