What is Salvia Divinorum or salvia, as it is commonly known? It is genus of plant native to Oaxac, Mexico also called Diviner’s Sage that many are now abusing as a recreational drug.

Salvia divinorum was historically used by Oaxaca’s native inhabitants in religious ceremonies for its psychdelic effects, which are said to be similar to LSD. The plant and the drug derived from the plant, commonly referred to as salvia, is legally available through the Internet in most parts of the United States. It can be chewed or smoked like marijuana. There are very few laws that currently regulate the use or sale of salvia.

There have been reports of negative side effects of salvia, including hallucinations, depression, disorientation and paranoia. Several teens using salvia have committed suicide, leading to several media reports suggesting that there is a connection between salvia-use and psychological problems among teens.

There are many instructional videos on Youtube that show how one can ingest/take salvia to get high. I will not link to those sites, but you can find them quite easily if you are inclined to do so.

On Monday, State Representative Doc Anderson of Waco, Texas introduced a bill in the Texas State Legislature that would make possession of salvia a Class A misdemeanor. He appeared on the Dr. Phil show to speak out against the dangers of salvia.

“The substance is dangerous, incapacitating, and serves no medical use whatsoever,�? Anderson said on Dr. Phil.

Salvia seems to be following crystal meth, ecstasy, cocaine, etc. as the “cool” drug of choice that forces the government to take action to stop rampant abuse. As illegal drug use remains an ongoing problem among our nation’s teens, one has to wonder how much a new possession law can do to stop the use of salvia.

Now that Barack Obama will be our President, parents have another headache when talking to their kids about drugs. Our President-elect is an admitted past user of marijuana and cocaine. Parents will have to now deal with smart-alec kids who will respond to “Just say no” with “But I want to be just like the President.”