Nicole Maziarz/photo staffSalvia divinorum, also reffered to as the “legal LSD,” is on a rise among colleges and teens.
When Salvia is smoked or chewed, the effects of the drug are often compared with those of LSD. Salvia evokes a dreamlike hallucination that usually peaks five minutes after smoked or ingested. The effects can last up to an hour.
Salvia is legal in 48 states including Pa.
Although legal, there is much discussion on whether or not salvia should remain legal.
The chemical found in salvia, salvinorin A, is considered the most potent natural hallucinogenic. It remains legal because of the ancient practices and rituals of tribes like the Mazatec Shamans. Salvia is said to heal spiritually and medically in such rituals as the Ska Maria Pastora.
“I don’t have to try it to know that it should not be legal,” sophomore biology pre-med major, Ileen Marshak said.
Across the country, council members are announcing to legislation to pass an act to make the drug legal but have been voted down.
“I haven’t tried it myself, but because it is legal I wouldn’t be surprised if it became more frequently used than not, but I still would not use it regardless,” said junior business and communications major, Marcella DiSandro.
Medical experts admit that initial and long-term effects of Salvia are still unclear if it is safe. Therefore, they do not recommend trying the drug for any apparent reason even if it is “legal.”
Today the battles have become stronger than ever to make this legal natural herb an illegal drug.
