Over the last four months, the Navy has discharged 150 sailors for possessing Spice, the smokable herbal product that mimics he effects of marijuana. On Thursday, 16 sailors on the USS Bataan in Norfolk, Virginia were busted.

Those discharged were either caught with Spice or K2 by officers during room inspections or ratted out by other sailors. "When sailors minds are altered and they're not able to function at peak capacity they not only risk their own lives they risk the lives of those around them," says Fleet Master Mike Stevens.

The Navy has ordered 10 Hampton Roads shops off-limits to the sailors. Spice and K2 products are legal in Virginia.

Many Spice and K2 products, sold as incense in stores, contain JWH-018, a chemical compound that activates the cannabis receptor system, or other similar compounds. They are currently not detectable by drug tests, hence their popularity.

In November, the DEA temporarily banned JWH-018 and four other chemical compounds (JWH-073, JWH-200, CP-47,497 and cannabicyclohexanol) used to manufacture Spice and K2 products for one year. Typically, these compounds are sprayed on the herbal products, which are sold under such brand names as Gold, Blonde, Cloud, Scarab and Genie. Prices start at $25 for three-gram packets

The sale of Spice and K2 products is currently banned in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa. Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah and Washington. Other states are considering enacting similar bans.

Also see:
Getting High on Synthetic Cannabinoids
The Truth About K2 & Spice
The K2-Spice  Controversy
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