SALVIA SHOULD BE BANNED

There is a new danger in our neighborhoods that few are aware
of.

It's called salvia, a perennial herb in the mint family that can
induce hallucinations or delusional episodes in those who ingest it -
similar to the effects one might experience from taking LSD or
Ecstasy. It has become a widely popular drug of choice among young
people, thanks mainly to the Internet, where word of its "powers" has
spread rapidly.

A search of the Internet site YouTube produced more than 5,000 hits of
videos of young people taking the drug. Spend a few minutes watching
those videos and the potential danger is clear. Those using the drug
lose their physical coordination, appear in a dreamlike state or show
signs of confusion or madness.

Distributors of salvia include a warning label on the packaging that
strongly recommends it not be taken without the presence of a
"sitter." The purpose of the sitter is to ensure the user causes no
harm to himself or herself or others while under the influence of the
drug - and to call 911 if necessary.

That alone should be sufficient evidence to suggest there is grave
danger associated with this drug. As of November 2008, 13 states have
enacted laws prohibiting its growth, distribution, sale and possession.

But here in Connecticut, salvia is perfectly legal. It is sold openly
in specialty stores, also known as head shops, for as little as $35 an
ounce. Quite honestly, given the nature of the drug and its effects,
we are at a loss to understand how anyone could justify selling it.
But, there is no law against it.

The Federal Drug Enforcement Agency has listed salvia as a "drug of
concern" and is considering classifying it as a Schedule I drug like
LSD. According to the DEA, salvia has no approved medical use. It is
used solely for the purpose of producing its hallucinogenic effects.

In February, the Connecticut General Assembly's General Law Committee
held a public hearing on a bill that would prohibit the use, sale or
marketing of salvia. After the hearing was conducted, the committee
took no action. The bill was never brought up for a vote, and it died.
Given the facts of the potential danger this drug represents, for
lawmakers to simply turn their heads and take no action is
inexcusable.

Because of its relative newness, there is no hard data to say with any
accuracy how widespread the use of salvia is. The Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration estimates that about 1.8
million, aged 12 and older, have experimented with salvia. Those ages
18 to 24 are three times more likely to use salvia.

Among those who testified to the legislative committee in Hartford was
Rayallen Bergman, prevention coordinator for the Southeastern Regional
Action Council. Bergman told the committee that although her agency
has received numerous inquires regarding the drug, there are no firm
statistics of how widespread its use is here in southeastern
Connecticut.

"We know, anecdotally, that this drug is being used on the college
campuses, with military personnel, young adults, ages 22 to 28, and
quickly gaining momentum throughout other populations and
communities," she said in her testimony.

She urged lawmakers to act, saying, "it is better to be on the front
end of preventing the dangers of this drug then waiting until we're 20
steps behind."

Sadly, her words fell upon deaf ears.