04.23.09
Word about Dangerous, Still-Legal Drug Spreading to Youths via Net
For many including myself, the name Salvia means nothing. However, an article recently published at WCCO.com, a Minnesota-based news source, is educating people on the harmful affects of the still-legal herb and the dangers of its glorification spreading like wild fire these days on Youtube.
It turns out that the potent-hallucinogenic herb, Salvia divinorum, is still not illegal in Minnesota, and the article called on parents to be cautious of its existence because so many videos are spreading around the net about its status. The article went on to share the opinion of drug experts in the state that feel Salvia divinorum should be made illegal.
To date, only a dozen or so states have totally outlawed Salvia including, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Virginia. These states categorize the status of the drug as a schedule I substance, the most dangerous ranking, while the US government has yet to put it on a schedule.
Still, there is much debate over the severity of Salvia divinorum. In poll taken by the Miami Herald in March of 2008, when the question was posed: “Should Florida lawmakers place restrictions on salvia?,” of 670 respondents 79% were opposed, while only 21% favored regulation.
Nonetheless, studies have shown that when considered by mass alone, the herbs active chemical, Salvinorin A, is the most potent naturally occurring psychoactive compound known. The proof is in the more than 4,000 Youtube videos that show people taking one single puff and seconds later losing all control of motor skills.
At this point, I would advocate for the restriction of Salvia divinorum. The reality of the situation is that the drug’s use is spreading rampantly, and even more dangerously, to youths. Finally, more research must be done to take Salvia divinorum serious and find out its full extent: addictiveness, health risks, potential effects on the community, etc.
Brian said,
May 2, 2009 at 11:28 am
I’ve seen those stupid videos… If you ask me, its a great example of why not to do that stupid drug.
Alissa said,
July 3, 2009 at 7:47 pm
This is a very nice site really well put together i like it.
jarred said,
October 12, 2009 at 7:44 pm
its not a big deal the effects last at most five minutes its a way to relieve stress and escape for a few minutes stop hating on kids trying to have fun