Homepage / Health

Dangerous Drug To Stay Legal

POSTED: 9:55 pm MST February 27, 2009
UPDATED: 8:02 am MST February 28, 2009

Some kids call it the best legal high there is, and it looks like it will stay that way in Arizona.

Salvia divinorum, or salvia "D" provides a short, intense and hallucinogenic trip. The drug has become more popular with teenagers and young adults in recent years, and there’s video on YouTube to prove it.

"I hit it from a glass pipe and felt like I was getting sucked into the couch," said Henry Aometer.

Henry tried it once when he was 17. He said it was easy to buy.

"I just went into a smoke shop and picked it up," he said. "There weren’t any restrictions; they didn't ID me -- nothing."

Arizona State Rep. Eric Meyer is trying to make it illegal to buy Salvia "D" for those under 21. Dozens of other states already have similar laws.

"If they're driving or have a gun around this drug is potentially dangerous," Meyer said. "This is a simple bill that would address that problem."

But Meyer's not going to get his wish. Today the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Adam Driggs, said he won't hear the bill.

"I think it would be difficult to regulate because salvia is a common plant. It could be growing in someone's yard," said Driggs.

Nevertheless, the director of outpatient services at the Calvary Addiction Recovery Centery, Sean Walsh, disagrees.

"We could say that about any drug, marijuana is common but we know that it's dangerous so we regulate it," he said. "I think that's just side-stepping an issue."

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Learn the top five signs of common mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder. More

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

From the basement to the attic, get your entire home in order with these valuable storage and organization projects. More

To guard your job security, be sure to avoid these 10 common pitfalls. More

Sponsored Links

Get Healthy!

Protect your health and learn about the symptoms of eight common STDs and how they are spread from person to person. More

Your Family

Some Dangers That Lurk In The Playground And Tips On How To Avoid Them.  More

This Week, The Fuchs Talk About Telling The Kids That The Economy's Recovering. He Says The Kids Deserve To Know. She Thinks It's Better To Keep Mum.  More

The Government Is Requiring Manufacturers Of Products For Infants And Toddlers To Create Programs To Keep In Touch With Customers.  More

As You Unwrap Christmas Gifts, Beware Of These Potentially Dangerous Toys.  More

E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters