Marine bases ask N.C. shops to keep herb from troops

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. 

Marine Corps officers are telling shops near their North Carolina bases to refuse to sell troops a legal herb product outlawed in a few other states as a synthetic marijuana.

Commanders at Camp Lejeune and the Cherry Point and New River Marine Corps air stations have sent letters to dozens of tobacco shops and convenience stores carrying the products, The Daily News of Jacksonville reported Friday.

Shops that don't cooperate could be listed as off limits to Marines, said Maj. William Klumpp, a spokesman for 2nd Marine Air Wing, which oversees Cherry Point and New River.

"It is always our first choice to partner with the surrounding communities in working through issues such as this," Klumpp said. "It is important to note that it is not an allegation of unlawful conduct, but (using the drug) is simply not in keeping with the core values of our service."

The lab-made drug known as K2 and Spice mimics the effects of marijuana. It began showing up in the United States late last year and is legal in most states. Kansas and Louisiana, and municipalities in Arkansas and Mississippi, this year outlawed the drug, which is sold as an incense.

Marines who use the designer drug can be punished by up to two years in the brig and dishonorable discharge, former Camp Lejeune commander Col. Richard Flatau said in a letter to shops that sell it.

"The so-called designer drugs come in many forms. Use of them by service members is prejudicial to the good order and discipline of our Corps. As such, we are asking for your assistance in preventing their sale to our service men and women," the letter said.

Kevin Clark said his son's use of the legal substance will effect his life for years to come.

Pfc. Matthew Clark was charged with using the substance twice, making false statements and leaving base without permission, and was recently discharged from the Marines under other than honorable conditions, Kevin Clark said.

"These kids, when they make this mistake, it's a drug-related discharge," he said. "You can't get hired at McDonald's with that."