BANNING SALVIA WILL NOT SOLVE PROBLEMS

Newsflash to the Lariat editorial board: banning salvia will do far
more harm than good, if it really does any good at all. Crack, LSD,
marijuana, heroin, ecstacy, and other Schedule 1 drugs are all illegal
in most of the United States; yet, they are still widely-used and
readily-available in many areas.

Furthermore, making salvia illegal will just lead to its sale on the
black market, which I guess is good for those of us who like an
increase in crime, a greater burden on our prison system and the
potential for more extortion, exploitation and violence for the
residents of Texas.

I understand the intent of wanting to ban a potentially dangerous
substance in order to protect the people of this state, but passing
legislation will only marginally deter salvia use. The anti-salvia
efforts should, instead, focus on public awareness and education
regarding the effects and risks of using the substance.

Aaron Bae

History & American Studies, '09