Pubdate: Tue, 29 Jan 2008
Source: Paper of Montgomery County, The (IN)
Copyright: 2008 The Paper of Montgomery County
Contact: http://www.thepaper24-7.com/formlayout.asp?formcall=1
Website: http://www.thepaper24-7.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4686
Author: Jennifer Shook

HALLUCINOGENIC HERB DANGEROUS BUT LEGAL

Salvia divornorum also known as Shepherdess' Herb and Ska Pastora, is a 
psychoactive hallucinogen as potent as LSD. The plant, a relative of a 
common landscape flower, contains a substance called Salvinorin-A which is 
considered to be the most potent hallucinogen available when smoked.

Salvia, in a liquid form, can be ingested or in powder form, smoked. It 
produces an almost immediate, short-term reaction. Depending on the dosage, 
a user's response can be just a subtle, off-kilter reaction to a full-blown 
psychedelic experience. Typically, the hallucinatory experience lasts 
several minutes but can last up to an hour. During this time, users are 
mentally and physically impaired and demonstrate poor judgment, slowed 
reflexes, and dissociation.

So far, readers may think they are learning about a new, illegal drug 
spreading across the country. Part of that it true - it is relatively new 
in terms of wide-spread use and is growing in all parts of the country. 
What readers may be surprised to learn is that it is totally legal to 
purchase and consume in all but four states - including Indiana!

Not only is Salvia legal to purchase in this state, it has been available 
in Crawfordsville until recently. Stores which carry herbal products and 
supplies often stock Salvia which has historical use in Mazatec traditional 
spiritual practices.

Four states have made Salvia illegal; Delaware, Louisiana, Missouri, and 
Illinois (as of January 1, 2008), and possession of it in one of them is 
considered a felony just like possession of heroin or cocaine.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D