Synthetic marijuana widely used at Naval Academy

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
1

<p>Synthetic marijuana widely used at Naval Academy, some midshipmen say</p>

<p>By Daniel de Vise
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, February 28, 2011; 12:57 AM</p>

<p>A synthetic form of marijuana is widely used at the U.S. Naval Academy because it cannot be detected in routine drug tests, according to several former midshipmen who have been removed from campus for using or possessing the substance.</p>

<p>Since its introduction at the academy last year, synthetic marijuana has become popular among rank-and-file midshipmen and on the football and wrestling teams, the former midshipmen said. Some isolated corners of the historic Annapolis campus, they said, have become well-known gathering spots for smoking it.</p>

<p>Synthetic marijuana is an herbal potpourri sprayed with chemicals that, when smoked, produces mood-altering effects. It is illegal in at least 12 states, although not in Maryland, and is prohibited in the U.S. military, including at its service academies.</p>

<p>The popularity of synthetic marijuana has spawned a major investigation within the academy that has led to the expulsion of eight midshipmen, including one last week. Several of those caught up in the probe say they expect the number of midshipmen who will be "separated" - the term academy officials use for expulsion - to reach more than a dozen. A substantial number of others have used synthetic marijuana but have not been caught, these former midshipmen say.</p>

<p>Academy leaders acknowledge that the four-month-old investigation into synthetic marijuana use is ongoing and that more expulsions are expected. In some cases, expelled midshipmen are required to repay the government for their education....</p>

<p>...Some expelled midshipmen say the investigation has been less than fair. One says he never actually smoked synthetic marijuana but was disciplined for allegedly doing so. Others contend investigators have treated star athletes with lenience. The brigade hasn't forgotten the case of Marcus Curry, a standout football player who was allowed to remain at the academy in the 2009-10 school year after failing a drug test for marijuana.</p>

<p>"They push them under the rug," said one former student who was on the wrestling team.</p>

<p>The entire article can be read here: Synthetic</a> marijuana widely used at Naval Academy, some midshipmen say</p>

2

<p>Alright CA59, do you think that this problem is found at the other SA’s?</p>

3

<p>CA82, I didn’t see any other academies mentioned on the front page of The Washington Post today, did you?</p>

<p>The article does mention that 5 cadets from USAFA have been expelled and about 28 more face investigation. It also mentions that West Point had not expelled anyone over “spice” use.</p>

<p>You might want to read the article.</p>

<p>If you have some secret insider information about widespread use at other academies, with quotes from current.former mids/cadets, along with expelled numbers, by all means – please post it and enlighten us.</p>

<p>I’m certain that Admiral Miller will take the necessary steps to ensure that the USNA will eliminate the unpunished drug use and honor/conduct violations that were tolerated under the watch of Uncle Jeffy.</p>

4

<p>^^^
Including athletes?</p>

5

<p>I agree…Yea, actually I did read the article. Some who have been separated make accusations …some would describe their statements as rationalizing, ‘widespread use, etc.’… 12 out of about 4,000+ current mids??? It has been reported by other media outlets that another one of the military academies also separated some for the same reason recently. Unfortunate situations?..yes…unique to the Naval Academy?..ummm no.</p>

6

<p>Time2, CA’s whole intention is to slam USNA. That’s his mission hence he’s a CA.</p>

7

<p>We all realize that…</p>

8

<p>Too many good men and women past and present from USNA. Those unfamiliar will get his crappy view. </p>

<p>Ouuu I might have to find another 9lives Ouuu because I’m going to tell on you for saying it so hard.</p>

9

<p>This is such a silly, sensationalistic piece it merits no comment beyond those already offered.
The only comment lending genuine insight to this irresponsible allegation?</p>

<p>“former” …as in Midshipmen who’ve been booted for abusing. Says it all, but suckers take bait that’s laying on the bottom’s muck.</p>

10

<p>Let’s all ignore the drug use, the drunken burglaries (one by an Admiral’s son!) and door smashing on Selecton night, and all the other crimes reported in the newspaper when committed by a USNA Midshipman over the last 3 months. </p>

<p>See-no-evil-speak-no-evil-hear-no-evil and it never happened. The ostrich solution. </p>

<p>What are you so afraid of? Do you actually condone the drug use and wish the dealers and users to remain in the USNA?</p>

<p>Seems inconsistent with USNA honor and character development - oh wait, that was the last administration.</p>

<p>If you have evidence that it’s occurring elsewhere at other academies - POST IT.</p>

<p>Otherwise, complain to the Washington Post.</p>

11

<p>YEA! I DOUBLE-DOG DARE YOU! </p>

<p>oh brother … now contending that absence any allegation (or having any “former, now separated Cadets or Coasties” to become all-knowing virtues of character, integrity, and truth) in an op ed piece proves there ain’t none? Now that’s an intriguing approach to logic. </p>

<p>Let’s call this what it is. Sour-grapes, mud-slinging, gossiping attempt first by some ex-communicated Mids to justify and distract from their bad behavior by crying “everyone’s doing it.” Sounds like some juvenile responses one might hear from a caught-redhanded perpetrator. Heck, I heard same from my kids all their growing up years…"well, he/she did it, dad. why you pickin’ on poor ol’ me.</p>

<p>And then there is the silly irresponsible penmanship of a pressed writer who was willing to build his ridiculous article around that notion that his might be the sensationalism that one like Lou would suck up, hook, line, sinker.</p>

12

<p>

</p>

<p>Try to keep up:</p>

<p>"The descriptions in this story are based on interviews with eight midshipmen, five of whom have left the academy because of the synthetic marijuana scandal and three of whom are still on campus."<a href=“Directly%20from%20the%20article”>/u</a>.</p>

<p>So your premise is incorrect. The allegations of widespread use are coming from expelled mids AND current mids as well. Next.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>Yes, I was “sucked in” like the Navy Times, The Associated Press, The Military Times, The UK Times, and about 60 other news reporting sources who also picked up and reprinted the story. They all must have some hidden agenda, some sour grapes towards the USNA. :rolleyes: You’re really grasping here! Next.</p>

<p>The original story was posted at serviceacademyforums.com by someone named “greeneagle” about a month and a half ago. My post here is just the latest update to a scandal that’s been going on for a while. </p>

<p>Interesting that you were unaware of it, as it’s been in the news a lot. Next.</p>

<p>You need to stop looking at all these mids thinking that they are on some white alabaster pedestal and that they are above committing the crimes and misdemeanors that are seen in society - nothing could be father from the truth. </p>

<p>Take a look at some of the crimes committed by USNA Mids over the last 15-20 years - </p>

<p>Capital murder (with a USAFA cadet)
Rape (multiple)
Kidnapping
Sexual Assault (multiple)
Possession of Child Pornography
Sexual Solicitation of a minor
Robbery
Burglary
Larceny
Theft
Drug smuggling (150 pounds of pot)
Drug dealing (200 doses LSD)
Drug use</p>

<p>Tell us which ones we should ignore and which ones are worthy of being posted. </p>

<p>:rolleyes:</p>

13

<p>Wait…which of you are trying to make USNA look bad?</p>

14

<p>

</p>

<p>The mids who commit the crimes don’t need any help, they are disgracing the USNA all by themselves. </p>

<p>Along with those who believe it’s better to hide these crimes from the taxpaying public (and possible candidates), both in the media and here on this forum.</p>

<p>Their attitude is troubling - they would rather no one hear about the crimes taking place there, the crimes being perpetrated by mids, both on-base and the surrounding area. They believe that no mid is capable of committing these (previously documented) crimes and misdemeanors. They are clueless, living in a dream world.</p>

<p>Weeding out the low-lifes, the criminals, and those who dishonor the brigade should be embraced by those who claim to be so supportive of the great institution. The sooner they are booted, the better. </p>

<p>Instead, the apologists here cry about the messenger. “The Washington Post and Baltimore Sun have a vendetta, Luigi has sour grapes, etc etc. Waaaa! Waaaa!”</p>

<p>Sad, actually.</p>

<p>Thankfully, the problems of the previous USNA Supe’s administration (who left under a cloud of financial improprieties) are slowly being corrected by the new Supe, but it’s gonna take some time to weed out the Fowler-ites who were given “honor passes” and character “get out of trouble free” cards.</p>

<p>I have great confidence in Admiral Miller’s ability to correct the deficiencies.</p>

15

<p>CA, no one wants to play your I found crimes game. Ya, USNA has problems and handles them quite well. A shock to you. You hide behind the CA game of I’m just reporting the crime. CA, you only report, no you scourer to find anything negative on USNA and immediately(I mean post it on the forum before the ink is dry) post it. No one is afraid of anything- so don’t play the innocent everyone puts their head in the sand and they don’t want to know it. The bad stuff at USNA is small with regards to whole. Those who are not familiar with CA’s tactics on this forum are to understand that CA wants you think that USNA is a corrupt Academy-this is CA’s goal. CA, your whole mission is to cast USNA as a bad place. Well CA, USNA Mids have done more and endure more than you will ever be able to concieve. CA, WP was being nice to say sour grapes-it’s much more than that for you. CA, USCGA has the same problems, probably worse but so small it’s not found in some News Article</p>

16

<p>Waaaa. Waaaa. Luigi is reposting the exact same things reposted on the front page of the OFFICIAL USNA facebook site.</p>

<p>Waaa. Waaa. Luigi is reposting the exact same things found in major newspapers and on the Wash/Balt Tv stations.</p>

<p>Waaa. Waaa.</p>

<p>Lmao. Let’s hide from the truth. Ignore it and it’ll go away. Ostrich style.</p>

<p>Sad, actually.</p>

<p>Argue with yourself, or better yet, use the ignore feature of the forum if you don’t want to read my posts, as I will again do with yours.</p>

17

<p>CA, again no one says “Let’s hide from the truth. Ignore it and it’ll go away. Ostrich style”.</p>

<p>People here post all not just oneside…</p>

<p>Your intentions are simply, never,NEVER ever put something good about USNA.</p>

<p>This is why your quote above does not hold water. You have a hatred for USNA. </p>

<p>That’s what is SAD! </p>

<p>We can agree on onething… You are a CA…</p>

18

<p>CA won’t show this in his littany of cool stuff to find. For those new here and see CA’s oneside. </p>

<p>[The</a> Day - CGA probe leads to discipline of dozens | News from southeastern Connecticut](<a href=“http://www.theday.com/article/20091022/NWS01/310229283/1044]The”>http://www.theday.com/article/20091022/NWS01/310229283/1044)</p>

<p>and</p>

<p>[Coast</a> Guard Academy Cadet’s Accuser Testifies in Court-Martial - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com](<a href=“Redirect Notice”>Redirect Notice)</p>

<p>and</p>

<p>[Nooses</a> Found At Coast Guard Academy - Connecticut News Story - WFSB Hartford](<a href=“Redirect Notice”>Redirect Notice)</p>

<p>just to name a few. Being a small and low profile Academy most of the problems are handle without getting news article activity.</p>

19

<p>While nurturing fine folks, like all the SAs, USCGA has its share of rotten apples. Anyone thinking ain’t no Coasties who’ve sampled the spice …and lots more … don’t know anything about sampling a 1,000 or so 18-22 year olds. Luigi’s whistling thru his graveyard, all the while noting “I ain’t afraida no ghosts.”</p>

<p>The REAL crime at USCGA? The library, and the reality that it does not exist! OMG :eek:</p>

20

<p>It looks like spice is amateur stuff at the USCGA. They graduated yrs ago to the better proven stuff -cocaine and pot. The article shows a substantial amount of cadets dismissed(sailing community what do the other communities have to offer?). This is significant considering much less than a 1000 cadets enrolled. CA should point out these little facts. Every SA has it’s problems and they manage them quite well. CA needs to get a life.</p>