Smoking salvia? Far out!
This isn't your garden variety salvia.
It isn't the fragrant, purple-spiked border plant that is a staple of gardens - salvia "May Night" or salvia "Friedland."
This is a relative of that sage plant known as salvia divinorum, and it has hallucinagenic qualities if smoked or chewed. The folks in Ocean City, Md., are seeking to make it illegal because the kids in that resort town can get screwed up enough on alcohol.
Colleague Mike Dresser reports on the controversy in today's Sun. The herb can be purchased over the counter legally, but a vote Monday night could end that.
Medical professionals say the drug is not addictive or physically harmful, and one trip seems to be enough for those who use it --apparently they aren't fun.
Photo salvia "May Night" courtesy of White Flower Farms
Comments
This is crazy. The government has no right to infiringe on the people in this case. While it's too bad that an officer had to be occupied by a false rape claim, how many OC cops have had problems with people consuming alcohol? Probably at least a few dozen this weekend, I'd think. That they make a few minor 'public safety' instances morph in to a full blow 'emergency' (author's terms) is worrisome and smacks of government overreach.
Posted by: rick | August 3, 2009 10:47 AM
I am happy to see this ban put in effect. I have been vacationing in OC for forty years and love the family vibe.
As I was walking down the boardwalk with my 4 yr old this summer, I was astonished at the store owners selling Salvia under the banner of a marijuana leaf. The board walk looks like a bunch of head shops, not very family oriented if you ask me.
Good for you OC Council!
Posted by: Jay | August 3, 2009 3:35 PM
Unreal. Salvia is not only non addictive and does no harm it has huge medicinal potential. Read this article for more info: http://www.salviasociety.org/salvia-medicinal-uses.htm
If people only were given information and not misinformation i doubt that salvia was ever going to be considered to be banned.
Thanks for the article though. It was fair and unbiased.
Posted by: Saima | August 3, 2009 3:59 PM
Thank you OC for stepping up to ban the salvia. Let's not add to list of abused substances that people can get their hands on. Having kids on salvia (as well as alcohol, weed, etc) walking around on the boardwalk and the streets runs down the reputation of OC, and drives the money-spending famlies away from the boardwalk. Not to mention putting police officers and public safety at risk. I support the ban!
Posted by: SLR | August 4, 2009 8:41 AM
How are these kids getting their hands on this. Shouldn't kids already be completely encased in bubble wrap? Outrageous!
Posted by: james | August 5, 2009 4:52 AM
Why did they not just not allow those types of stores on the boardwalk. Thats lame. Some people rely on salvia divinorum for chronic depression and other self medicating. Like you say in this article it's not addicting and most people only try it once, so why deny all curious people their one time. they are still going to try it whether it's legal or not. http://www.freshsalvia.com has salvia d plants I suggest you order one before it's too late and keep your supply at home.
Posted by: Moira Ramone | August 10, 2009 11:59 PM
I would not want my teens experimenting with hallucinogenic drugs at all, but especially while on "senior week" or otherwise without known adults nearby.
Ocean City has a sleazy reputation and it's stuff like this that contributes to it.
We choose not to take our family there and we're no prudes, but this place is ridiculous.
Posted by: GBA1 | August 12, 2009 11:02 AM