AFFTC commander issues orders against use of Salvia divinorum

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jason Hernandez
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Air Force Flight Test Center commander released a memorandum recently regarding his policy on the use of Salvia divinorum.

Maj. Gen. Curtis Bedke, AFFTC commander, said in the memorandum that military members assigned to Edwards are ordered not to possess, inhale, smoke, chew or otherwise introduce Salvia into their body in any manner.

"Failure to obey this order may result in disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and administrative action, including discharge from the United States Air Force," General Bedke said.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice Web site, Salvia divinorum is a perennial herb in the mint family. It is commonly called "Maria Pastora" and "Salvia." In the United States, plant material or derivatives are either chewed or smoked for an effect comparable to mescalin, a hallucinogenic compound.

The order includes any form, variation or derivative of Salvia whether a member is on or off duty, General Bedke said.

"This order applies to all military members assigned to Edwards, including military members assigned to associate and detached units located at Edwards," General Bedke said.

Furthermore, the restriction applies to Edwards members assigned to geographically separated units and remote offices that Edwards has control and jurisdiction over, such as the 412th Range Squadron and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, he said.

The DOJ states that Salvia is grown domestically and imported from Mexico and Central and South America. The Internet is one of the primary methods of promotion and distribution of Salvia. It is sold as seeds, fresh or dried leaves, plant cuttings, whole plants and extracts.

Consuming Salvia induces illusions and hallucinations, the DOJ reported. Other effects include perceptions of bright lights, vivid colors and shapes, dysphoria, uncontrolled laughter and overlapping realities. Adverse physical effects may include loss of coordination, dizziness and slurred speech.

Salvia divinorum and its derivatives are not currently controlled under the federal Controlled Substances Act. However, a number of states have placed controls on Salvia.

In 2005, Louisiana made it illegal to purchase or distribute Salvia divinorum. Other states have put forth legislative bills proposing regulatory controls on Salvia such as Alaska, Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota and Virginia.

Awareness of Salvia is not only isolated to the U.S., but internationally as well. Salvia is regulated in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Spain and Sweden.

"The use of Salvia by a member at Edwards has the potential to endanger both the life of the member who uses the drug, as well as the lives of other military members," General Bedke said. "The use of Salvia could seriously undermine our mission and negatively impact our nation's security."