SALVIA STORY IS TRULY BAD NEWS TO READER

The front page article Salvia's quick high worries police (Aug. 27)
and the information on its availability (including where one can buy
it) is, in my opinion, irresponsible journalism.

There are two concerns about the drug not mentioned: Its effect is
unpredictable and a sober person must be with the user for their own
protection, and salvia use can lead to dysphoria, a lowered mood
state. For those predisposed to affective mood disorders, the results
can be devastating.

The state of Delaware passed a law making salvia use illegal after a
17-year-old committed suicide following several months of use.

Printing the article on the front page, with virtual "where to get
and how to use" salvia directions without revealing all the possible
dangers is not responsible journalism. I now fear that my own teens
will be encouraged to experiment with salvia.

Ward Moroz

London