Lawmakers Move To Ban Hallucinogen Salvia

March 13, 2008 7:29 a.m. EST

Miami, Florida (AHN) -- Parents beware: If you hear your children talking about buying or taking something that sounds like Sally-D, Magic Mint or Diviner's Sage, don't think twice about calling the cops.

It's not an after-dinner mint or flavorful herb -- salvia is a hallucinogen that gives users an out-of-body sense of traveling through time and space or merging with inanimate objects. But unlike hallucinogens like LSD or PCP, salvia's effects last for a shorter time, generally up to an hour.

Native to Mexico and still grown there, Salvia divinorum is generally smoked but can also be chewed or made into a tea and drunk. The plant has been proven to impair judgment and the ability to drive.

This inexpensive and easy-to-obtain plant is feared as the next marijuana. Salvia's short-lasting effects and the fact that it is currently legal may make it seem more appealing to teens.

Bills to ban or regulate salvia are being considered in many other states, including Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Wyoming and Wisconsin. On Feb. 11, the New York Senate passed a bill prohibiting the sale of salvia.

Sixteen others, including Florida, are considering a ban. State Rep. Mary Brandenburg has introduced a bill to make possession of salvia a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

An ounce of salvia leaves sells for around $30 on the Internet. A liquid extract from the plant, salvinorin A, is also sold in various strengths labeled "5x" through "60x."

A gram of the 5x strength, about the weight of a plastic pen cap, is about $12 while 60x strength is around $65.

For added kicks, the extract comes in flavors including apple, strawberry and spearmint.