TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., June 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force's zero-tolerance policy on drug use is costing 30 airmen at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma their military careers, officials said.

Military officials said the airmen are being discharged for use or possession of "Spice," sometimes called synthetic pot, a mix of herbs treated with chemicals that mimic the active compound in marijuana.


"Everyone needs to understand that Spice is a Schedule One controlled substance," base commander Col. Bob LaBrutta, told The Oklahoman. "In other words, it's considered the same as using marijuana."

Spice was added to the federal government's list of banned substances in March after it was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and then temporarily banned last year, the newspaper said.

The drug, which was popular in Europe before it reached U.S. shores, produces a high when smoked but can also trigger headaches, seizures, numbness or a feeling of paralysis.