Pubdate: Fri, 28 Oct 2005 Source: Medicine Hat News (CN AB) Copyright: 2005 Alberta Newspaper Group, Inc. Contact: http://www.medicinehatnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1833 Author: Tenille Tellman HIGHLY POTENT SUBSTANCE MAKES WAVES AS IT HITS STORE SHELVES A highly potent, vision-inducing and medicinal plant of Mexico is making waves in Medicine Hat as people are using the substance recreationally to achieve an inebriated state similar to the effects of marijuana or magic mushrooms. Salvia Divinorum, a member of the mint family which also includes herbs such as oregano and basil, is not listed as a controlled substance and can therefore be sold like cigarettes at local convenience stores. A handout provided to those who purchase the product says the herb can help users achieve varied levels of effects, including stoning, altered thought processes, LSD-like psychedelic effects, voyaging or dreamlike feelings, identity loss and anesthesia. The handout offers guidelines to users, including the suggestion of having a "sitter" present to keep the user safe. The information warns sitters to keep touching to a minimum, as "the confused tripper may think your touching is an assault or rape and react to the imagined danger." Other warnings include using the herb indoors, not to drive under the influence, not to mix it with alcohol and drugs, to turn off the telephone, hide any guns or knives from within reach and to lie down on a bed. The sheet also says the herb is the "most potent hallucinogenic substance known to man." It says the substance can help people meditate and is "a ticket to a horrifying and beautiful place. It is unlike anything you can ever imagine." Allen Crocker, owner of Hat News and Tobacco sells several types of the herb, including some of lesser potency. He said the herb is made in the United States and can be purchased at other stores or over the Internet. "It's been around probably for, I would say five years anyway," said Crocker, adding it is similar to herbs Indians may have used. "There's only one state in the U.S. that doesn't allow it, which is Louisiana." The store has a laminated copy of the handout, which Crocker said was provided by the manufacturer. He said there is nothing in the herb which could be considered harmful as long as people follow the listed instructions. "If they take it not following instructions, they're gonna' have some bad results," said Crocker. Customers wishing to purchase the product must be 18 years of age, just like those who purchase alcohol or tobacco. He added the information package says the herb is "neither a stimulant, a sedative, a narcotic nor a tranquilizer." Dr. Noorali Bharwani said he has not heard of the herb yet, but based on the information provided on the handout, no doctor would recommend using such a product. "If something is sold off the counter, not tested by scientists, then I don't think they should be taken by anybody," said Bharwani. "I would consider it very dangerous, especially if it's mood-altering medication -- you never know what's going to happen. "If they want to go into meditation, they can do that without drugs. They just need a quiet place, turn off the lights and relax." Sergeant Brent Secondiak of the Medicine Hat Police Service said the herb is marketed towards people who would smoke marijuana, but ultimately it is "a waste of money," or a "gimmick." "Anything you inhale quickly is not good for you," said Secondiak. He said like sniffing glue, this substance is not controlled by the Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) but is not one people should be using. "We don't condone the use of it." He said he does not believe the substance will ever be controlled because it is a herb and it is not considered addictive. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom