Ohio Close to Ban on Hallucinogenic Herb

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Posted: 3:24 PM Dec 26, 2008
Last Updated: 3:24 PM Dec 26, 2008
Reporter: The Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- A bill banning the sale and possession of a hallucinogenic herb known as salvia divinorum is now before Gov. Ted Strickland.

The General Assembly approved the bill banning the obscure Mexican herb last week at the end of its lame-duck session. If Strickland signs it, Ohio would join more than a half dozen other states in placing restrictions on salvia divinorum.

Small packages of the herb are sold at head shops across Ohio and are also available on the Internet in varying degrees of potency.

Salvia divinorum is generally smoked but can also be chewed or made into a tea and drunk. No known deaths have been attributed to salvia's use, but it was listed as a factor in one Delaware teen's suicide two years ago.

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Posted by: to eala from wasted on Jan 12, 2009 at 07:12 PM
See unlike you with your child I was not informed in time to take any action it has already been signed into law jan 6th total of something like 5 business days from time of announcement to enactment threw into an economic spending bill at the last second and now to fight it I will have to have medical proof and studies done to gain a medical exemption easier to drive 9 miles and buy it in wva and take my chances and they still don't have a idea what the pentalties will be they didnt discuss that part of the law or so I told and with the inept law enforcement in my county I can take a zip lock bag attach a sticker that says sage throw a price sticker on it and they will be none the wiser and no more than I use that will be my best bet until someone can further test it and find a use that appeals to the medical field.And by the way if it was my kid the school system was messing with I would be there everyday until I got my way been there done that so you let them have it and good luck

Posted by: Eala..Motivating the entire world! One voice at a time.. on Jan 8, 2009 at 02:01 AM
I just read that one to my husband, and he asked, in a mellow toned type of voice "What are you now, a motivational speaker?" EEKKK.............

Posted by: EALA.. bare with me I am getting to a point.. on Jan 8, 2009 at 01:51 AM
Through my hours of research yesterday.. At 10:00pm I was on the phone with Jordan Riak.. He is the man that put a stop in California to corpal punishment, look him up he is even in the dictionary. He has several letters from doctors along with people who have a doctrine in physical education stating this is minuplting form of abuse.. He told me what to do, and he is even contacting our legislitive office.. You see.. if you are passionate and jus't don't sit back and stomp your feet.. You can get things addresed. If you truley in your heart know the goverment is scaming you on ANY issue, you do have a voice.. Sit back and watch.. Mine is definatly going to be heard.. and this practice or method will be changed.. or at the least notify parents, and ask for thier permission.So if this {Salvia issue}is something your passionate about, don't let EALA{The drug fearing mouthy girl}or anyone for that matter convience you to step down on something you truley believe.. Go FURTHUR than a forum.

Posted by: Eala, to wasted.. Cont..You need to research all things through a little time is possible on Jan 8, 2009 at 01:34 AM
pros and cons.. If it is truley benifical to someones well being the person you find will more than likely help you in your plea. YES.. It should be restricted, to only those who has a doctors permit, only in the quanity that would be for your needs. Youtube has been your worst enemy. Do your reseaech, and get a NAME, You can get results if this is truley safe. Lets have a doughnut, big mac, sugar moment here. My son has autism and I found out{just recently when he finally told me} the school is running him on a tread mill, and they never once told me, his mother that the were using this form exersise abuse, that my son comes home crying about. I had a meeting tape recroder on the table for everyone to see, four times told me they WERE absoultly NOT going to take him off even when I told them, he is not to be on there. I came home and done my research about this method,{ by the way is I found out is common in specail ed classes humilate children in front of thier peers}

Posted by: EALA on Jan 8, 2009 at 01:15 AM
I read on that site.. It is addictive. Then I read you need to have a "Sitter" present. I read also that it is "Nearly" impossibe to over dose, this is because you would PASS OUT before that could happen.. I am still not sure how I take the word "Nearly". It also says do not be on this stuff amoungst dangerous objects, every MO FO has a kitchen. Do you know what is VERY scary, what the sitter represents on newcomers it say word for for word "He should also reassure you when you feel dissociated or disoriented" and that the sitter can help you by telling you what you did while you were on it.http://www.salvia.net/en/warnings.htm, I have not seen one single signature, on that site to back up thier theroy about it being "OK". If you feel that is it safe and it is a benefit in your life, you need a name, so they can write a letter on your behalf, stating it can improve ones quality of life. {I would never bring that site up to Ohio}. Perhaps if you can find a person, Ohio can review the

Posted by: to eala from wasted on Jan 7, 2009 at 01:16 AM
Yeah go to sagewisdom.com it gives a complete history and Teds restrictions are illegal to use or posses sounds like a ban to me since it is currently regulated to not be sold to minors

Posted by: Eala... on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:42 PM
I have no clue about the way a person feels on this stuff, and I NEVER will.I know it is something I would NOT want my kids to thier hands on.I agree with you,kids are totally abusing it.Wasted said he stays off the roads.Do you?If you want to get on the"Seven deadly sins" I will meet you in a relgious chat room. "Wasted" tended to keep the chat on the topic,if you agree with what "fact is" says.I would highly recomend you to seek out his twin"Daniele"you can find her in the Wayne Co.death story,the three of you I am sure can talk yourselves in right of anything,because of doughnut bans,or whatever off the wall topics.Have you ever considered its"The bad parents"who are fighting for a ban."Wasted"I can not find anything about Harvard doing a study on it.Where can I find this information?Can you add a link to a comment,or any accredited scientfic research about this.What does Ted Strickland mean by restrictions? Is that the same as ban? I think restictions as being the same as regulate.

Posted by: cont on Jan 4, 2009 at 11:35 AM
their beliefs.Seen yesterday where people in Oregon have to go out of state to get doughnuts because the state banned trans fats in foods, wonder what the doughnut lovers there feel like {bet thr cops still get theirs} but at least for now they wont be charged for having them in thier possesion but how long will it be before they are.Is that all they have to worry about and how much money did they waste passing such a law while yes it maybe more healthy not to have the trans fats Oregon is just following suit with California and I'll bet if they ban something that dont make sense or that you like you will be the first to debate it as you seem to be real good at it and that is meant as a compliment.So in signing off guess maybe fact is was not to far off when he stated everybody is some kind of [junkie] and I dont even like that word because of the assumption of drugs that goes with it Have a good day and God Bless

Posted by: to eala on Jan 4, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Glad to answer see in the first post the only thing wasted stands for is the money and time by the state of ohio to ban something just because other states are doing it there are a million things they could be working on that are more important than this.And yes kids should not be abusing it but there were no bans until the kids mother blamed this herb for her bad parenting which was stated on u-tube by many of his friends,and many of these bans are nothing more than a monkey see monkey do action from politicians in lame duck sessions.No I do not partake on a daily basis and I dont do it to get high but when I feel the onset of my pain which is usually 1 to 3 times a month I will drink a couple cups and it works and with this ban I will have to travel out of state to buy it and take a chance of drug charges. See the medicine man dont sell it and if I get some off him I replace it.Its really all about the govt.and their trying to tell everybody what they want with no research to back up

Posted by: Eala.. To Wasted.. on Jan 3, 2009 at 06:23 PM
OK, I guess by that one everyone knows my gender now.. LOL That is exactly why I don't feel women should be presidents.. Are we going to fight over that issue too? Let me ask you one more question "Wasted" are you really "Wasted", or just an occasional tea drinker? That was a fun debate, thanks.....

Posted by: Eala.. OK-"Wasted" Since I feel everyone has left us.. including my favorite entertainer "Fact is" I miss that dude! on Jan 3, 2009 at 06:10 PM
They did not say they were banning it because of suicide, they said "No known deaths have been attributed to Salvia,but it was listed as a factor in one teens death." They did not say that is why Ol'"Ted"is trying to put a ban on it.They may be concernerd with the way kids respond to it. http://www.dartmouth.edu/~dons/part_3/chapter_22.html scroll down on this website untill you get to VISUAL seizures.Just look it at.I have been having seizures since June 6 2008, notice 08{yeah,everyone says it is down hill after 30,I just did not think it would happen a week after I turned.LOL} August 16th I almost died,becuase I did not realize, what was going on with my body.I PROMISE my friend and I looked on you tube months back at Salvia and I reconized the jerking,the same that I once was unware was siezure, untill it almost took my life.No proof to back it up,but I really feel, In my heart that that stuff is bad news.

Posted by: to eala cont. on Jan 2, 2009 at 07:31 PM
many herbs have uses and until they are tested they should not be banned look at St johns wort you have to admit it is a better anti depression drug than prozac for many people and there have been no killing as a side effect to st johns wort which can not be said about prozac but doctors do not prescribe st johns wort.Same thing with aloe vera wonderful plant but not as prescribe as much as silvadene cream and dont cost no way near as much but works just as well for burns.So until I see otherwise I can not dismiss what this herb does for my pain and with very little use and by the way the medicine man as you called him is now 86 yrs old and as spry as any 60 yr old you will ever see and I have never seen him with a cold or the flu either and he still has a full set of teeth and he claims its the tooth paste he makes from sassyfras bark but it taste to awful for me to use

Posted by: To eala on Jan 2, 2009 at 07:10 PM
See you disputed your own claim when you stated no testing so what makes it right to ban something with no testing.This ban is a direct result from some kid who committed suicied after smoking it and like I stated he didn't follow directions and mixed it with booze and who knows what else.The results from autopsy would not realease other substances in system to media at parents request see I checked this out and followed the story when it happened and until that there were no big to do's about it also this plant would have been study more extently if not for the govt refusing to do so for no apparent reason it has been explored since the 30's and by such places as harvard medical so something that has been around that long with no govt action to ban it until 1 person screws up tells me that maybe they should research it before banning it but the money just aint there.And maybe with a little work they could lower the minute side effects which aren't that adverse to me.Like i said before

Posted by: EALA... WASTED the question I ask you at the end is not sarcastic, it is a real question.. on Jan 2, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Yeah, I know "Wasted" I deserved that one!! Please just listen.. As the old saying goes "If it is too good to be true, than more than likely it is." There is "NO WONDER cure" for things,and if there is, THERE ARE SIDE EFFECTS.Open an over the counter advil box, there are always side effect to something as "Small" as that.Someone somewhere decided to study marjuana,{And YES there are penilties for its use, "FACT IS", and you have PROVED it}.The only thing goverment is at fault with,is not sending this to the FDA,and having more research done.You not being informed of it,or its long term use,may be your undoing.Of course the "Man of the woods"is going to tell you it is safe,he wants YOUR MONEY and he knows you can't find ANY documents telling you otherwise.I do not know if you have children or not"WASTED",but if you found out they have something medically wrong with them. Are you going to go to your"medicine man"to seek the remedy, espeacialy if the remedy has had HAD NO testing

Posted by: Hi my name is,,,FIFO on Jan 1, 2009 at 05:16 PM
Since I never gave a introduction about myself then maybe I should now or it will look like I am cowering away. This forum is very cool and has many people that are more open minded than "most". I am not here to debate nor pee in the wind trying to change the way a person thinks. I am here to learn and laugh with others. Wasted, thx for the hands on information you gave on something I have never tried. Congratulations on being able to cope with pain threw herbal remedy. It sounds that your worst side effect to that herb in the past 30 years would be the government as of late. I will break my point down in a simple quote by the late great Bill Hicks. (youtube junkies should check out a video of his comedy act, if you have a sense of humor and open mind you will enjoy it). "IT IS NOT A WAR ON DRUGS...IT IS A WAR ON YOUR PERSONAL FREEDOM." That is my point! Enough freedoms were lost when they went against the Constitution to make the Patriot Act and I hope that t doesn't happen again

Posted by: wasted on Jan 1, 2009 at 03:02 AM
sorry to tell you eala but it is 2 different people I would not coward out and have no clue who the person[fact is] is and I am no substance abuser because this herb is not classified as a substance as of yet and i am sure it will still be available in neighboring states and the penalties for possession have not been made clear and it could be the fine will be cheaper than filling a prescription of pain pills so I guess I will still be able to use this wonder drug a little while longer

Posted by: EALA.. SORRY WASTED!! on Jan 1, 2009 at 01:37 AM
I apoligize "Wasted",for EVER accusing you of being "Fact is".I see now, that you have posted more comments,"Fact Is" is on a totally different page and does not stay on the topic.I know by your last few comments that there is NO WAY thats is you! WOW!Fact is-"Fact is" needs to learn to debate and learn the topic is SALVIA,NOT big macs,greed,sex.WOW-Let me break it down to you "fact is" "Wasted" is saying it is safe.are you following me? I doubt it is safe.Are you still there?."Wasted" and I do it in a way to show our OPINION and express it, even though we are sarcastic, we are trying to represent,both sides.So I would advise you to sit down, shut up, and let your"Lawyer"do the talking. Even though you think you are representing this "Herb",because of you I am ever more convienced it needs to go,bye bye. Sorry "Wasted"for EVER accusing you! OK "Wasted" let us get back. Still 30 years is a little long,and I agree W/you there are Dr. Quacks,but there are also non addictive perscriptions

Posted by: WoW on Dec 31, 2008 at 10:29 PM
The word "junkie" was to describe a dependency or need to anything that gets them from point A to point B. Did that point fly that far over your head? Thanks for the education that one must use metaphors correctly, forgive me teacher. I am not the poster named Wasted and my main point is think for yourself and dont put so much blind faith in government when its all in black and white that all of politics is corrupt. IE Marijuana is a schedule 1 drug (Saying no medical purpose at all). Oxy is schedule 2 that was fist tested out in our area because I guess they think Hillbillies are expendable. I hope you have not seen as many family/friends screw there life up or worse because of oxy's . Its not rocket science that law is a mistake and more focus should be on drugs like Oxy and not herbs. By looking at that law you assume if a person is caught smoking a joint in public would carry the same or worse penalty as shooting up a oxy in public. Maybe they wants to thin the heard out IDK.

Posted by: to fact is... on Dec 31, 2008 at 01:29 AM
this is to fact is!!! im an sorry but heres a little education..there is a HUGE difference inbetween a junkie and a sinner.. if you are a christian then you would know that everyone is a sinner, meaning no one is perfect that is why Jesus did on the cross for you and me. A junkie is being a drug addictic which i beg to differ, CAUSE I AM NOT ONE or it can be an enthusiastic follower; fan; devotee: a baseball junkie, if you arent sure of the defintion you can look it up yourself, I do have an open mind but i also have common sense.. to eduacate yourself and others, these are peoples rights to make comments and maybe you shouldnt be the one to judge others and there says...whether herb/drug i dont care about the side effects all i know is from what i have research way before this article what i say on youtube and the internet, is nothing i would ever what to see another human go through-its inhuman.. get a heart

Posted by: EALA on Dec 30, 2008 at 11:37 PM
Yes, "FACT IS" {Can we say "Wasted"?}.. I AM very simple, explaing drugs, I tend to keep it simple so people like you understand.. More than likely this is "Wasted" not knowing how to respond to a person not on his/her "HIGH".. How did I "Twist" your words?? I did no name call... I called you by the name YOU wanted to be called.. Ohh I get it.. My words, ARE "Twisted" cause you had a cup of tea, before logging on to your computer. No matter what name you try and hide behind WE ALL know its you.. I guess your "WASTED" name got blown outta the water, and you coward down! Your just like any other substance abuser, you tend to cover up, and tell yourself it is alright, and you do not have a problem because "Sally" down the street is just as bad as you, she puts sugar in her tea, and you add hallucinogens." Get real buddy! LOL.. If your not careful they WILL sign the ban in your honor......ROCK ON!!

Posted by: wasted on Dec 30, 2008 at 08:37 PM
And by the way since I need to clear up any cloudy areas in anyones mind my job is in the transportation industry regulated by the Govt and I do take and pass drug test as required by good old uncle sam and have been a tax payer since 1971 and have never been at fault in 1 single auto accident so your roads are safe

Posted by: to eala from wasted on Dec 30, 2008 at 08:29 PM
For your information I dont need charity as I have a full time job and have been doing it for over 30 yrsand useing something once or twice a month does not make you addicted to unlike the meds the so called doctors you speak so high of want to put people on I would much rather use this than to be prescribed an opiate that are habit forming and 28 yrs of this has not effected my work or life unlike the wonder drugs like oxy-cotin that the great doctors want to prescribe everyone and the wavy lines and colors only last a few min. and seeing as how I am a responsible adult I do not drive while taking this herb also unlike the oxy heads the great doctors have created.But then again how would you of such a shallow mind understand anything out side the box that disputes the all famous medical field bet you dispute medical marijuana too.As someone else posted I will trust god before a politican and that is my choice I think he is more reliable than someone like Nixon or George Bush dont you

Posted by: Fact is on Dec 30, 2008 at 03:15 PM
We are all junkies,,,be it drugs, sex gambling, greed, work, money, power, art, religion, politics, tv/internet blah blah blah. We all have our vices and I have yet to meet anybody that is "sin" free. There is a fine line between dependency and addiction to anything. Too much of ANYTHING is bad be it salt or sugar. For those more holier than thou who like to point fingers and call people names while twisting words around... I am just glad I am not you and wish you luck and pray you can be more of a free thinker and look at a story from all sides before you add your 2 cents worth and twist words around from what was said. No one here commented that they think kids should use that herb. Eala you are the one who brought that up after calling us CHILDREN. You are so simple minded that I will ignore anything you say from now on to save unwanted drama. I suggest you look into that also since you speak for all of Ohio and own the streets. Peace, Love and Rock n' Roll

Posted by: EALA on Dec 30, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Yes! I am well aware of SHROOMS, and quite a few others, that would make YOU scratch your head at... IT IS MY JOB!!! Thanks though, now I am going to research "Why it gives "WASTED" wavy lines, and colors? {That were not there before.} It is not addictive, WASTED? Then why have you DEPENDED on it since the 80's, for "Joint pain and the flu?" COUGH COUGH.. I would advise you to seek medical attention,not a nutrionist,not an old herbal medicine man, but a DOCTOR,as in "Has thier DOCTRINE IN MEDICINE."{You can get charity help} If someone that is NOT WASTED and has a clear mind, would happen to read this, they would definatly agree 28 years is WAY to long to depend on something for MINOR complaints. In the meantime,I will pray a family memeber of yours WAKES UP,but untill then, {Being they haven't noticed,in almost 30 years,and the chances of them be alarmed to your wavy lines,and wierd colors, is slim to none} STAY THE HECK OFF OUR STREETS, with your wavy lines and "Joint pain"!

Posted by: For Not True.... on Dec 29, 2008 at 11:37 PM
You are aware that marijuana has been a Schedule 1 drug since the 1970 Controlled Substances Act, and states it has no medical purposes what so ever. Schedule 1 is the same class as heroin, coke and meth. BUT Oxycontin is Schedule 2 and penalties are less severe for Oxy's than the ones for use or possession of Marijuana. That does not make good horse sense to me. I hope you are saying that the government made a mistake because you will NEVER hear the government admit to making a mistake. EVER!

Posted by: Will Rodgers on Dec 29, 2008 at 09:59 PM
"Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for."

Posted by: To eala from wasted on Dec 29, 2008 at 06:34 PM
I know it is not dangerous if used as directed and not abused as with many substances I drink it in tea form and was introduced to it by an herbal naturalist and I researched the effects before trying it and many Ohioians do not want a ban.This is not a high that your average doper is going too like and it is not habit forming because of that,I use it for the relief of joint pain and the fact that I have not had the flu or a cold since first trying it in the early 80's and basically the only hallucinogenic effect are the colors and a few wavy figures.Parents worried about this should be more concerened about their kids going into a pasture field and rolling over a cow paddy and picking up the mushrooms under them now that is a high they will fall in love with and I'll bet not many were aware of that but I'll bet most of their kids are.So the best thing is for parents to educate yourselves and your kids

Posted by: Kat on Dec 29, 2008 at 06:06 PM
This herb story is a bunch of nonsense and reminds me of the over the top anti-drug stories on Dragnet (circa 1970 or so). I agree with the poster who stated who in the world even heard of this herb until this news story. Why can't Ohio and Governor Strickland focus on JOBS! Isn't that what we elected him to do?

Posted by: Jerk knee reaction on Dec 29, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Ok all you utube viewers these people on here having the seizures have also combined this herb with other drugs and or alcohol which it states is harmful used responsibly by knowing adults this is as harmless as nutmeg if you want the govt. to ban every thing deadly how bout mcdonalds or general motors and ford or all the processed food that is sold at wal-mart everyday get a life people worrying about their kids getting a hold of this need to open their eyes and realize raising your kids to know right from wrong is not the govts job.I have used this herb as a tea for many yrs with no adverse effects other than i have not had a cold for 12 yrs now because some idiots kid decides to try something he knows nothing about in excess with booze he wasnt old enough to buy and god only knows what other drugs commits suicide big brother decides to add this to a list as a dangerous drug that most knew nothing about to begin with.There are kids killed everyday in cars will the govt ban them noooo

Posted by: shay on Dec 29, 2008 at 05:05 PM
they are going to ban it for no good reason it doesnt hurt anyone i have smoked it and the buzz in over in 10 minutes it has been used for years by people its not addictive way to go ohio like you dont have more important things to worry about

Posted by: Not True on Dec 29, 2008 at 02:34 PM
For Those of you who want to keep saying this "Herb" causes you to have seizures, Well I have never tried this type of Herb, but I DO Smoke Marijuana and I also have Epilepsy, and have all my Life and I have found that Marijuana helps to keep my Fits down and I have had fewer Fits since I started Smoking Marijuana. I'm not saying this may be the fact for all, but I do think that People do need to be aware of It's Medical Uses.

Posted by: RoaneCo. on Dec 29, 2008 at 08:49 AM
It would be interesting to know how many people even knew about this "herb" until this news story.

Posted by: Scientific evedience? on Dec 29, 2008 at 01:50 AM
There is no scientific proof that there is a all powerful God and most scientist tend to believe in the theory of evolution. Do I agree with that theory...NO, but I think that even scientists have the right to express there feelings rather than censor them like most would want.

Posted by: My oppion on Dec 29, 2008 at 01:34 AM
Rather than try and hide you kids away from the facts about how bad some drugs/herbs are why not educate them to stay away yourself and not depend on the Government so much. In my opinion that is why marijuana is a gateway drug. We are told its this incredible evil drug that turns people into instant junkies and BAD people who will use any means necessary to get that drug. That is so far from the TRUTH because if anything it makes a person less aggressive and calms them down a notch. To quote Katt Williams "Do you want to know the REAL side effects of marijuana? It is happy, sleepy and hungry. If you think a person has overdosed on marijuana your wrong because in 30 minutes that person will wake up and eat everything in your house."

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 28, 2008 at 08:20 PM
i never knew it existed....thanks!

Posted by: Shame on WSAZ on Dec 28, 2008 at 04:58 PM
For giving people freedom of speech. It almost makes me feel like I live in America. :/

Posted by: Foxy on Dec 28, 2008 at 08:17 AM
TO EALA..........what is funny is the fact that there are more important things for the government to do at this time. Food on the table. Heat for struggling families comes to mind. Getting heroin and oxy off the streets are another. THE ONLY FUNNY THING HERE IS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO IDEAL ABOUT THE EVERY DAY PEOPLE. THAT IS FUNNY.

Posted by: tattoo artist on Dec 28, 2008 at 07:00 AM
GVN just because you have a drug addict brother doesn"t make us all drug addicts.i have been medicated since i was 5.i don"t drool everywhere.i function very well and guess what that is with valium also.taken regularly as directed it doesn"t do that to me.maybe your brother needs appropriate meds for his problem,then not take more than directed

Posted by: More room for... Eala on Dec 28, 2008 at 06:19 AM
If your open minded then you will respect a persons decision whatever it may be. That is the whole point that your are missing by most here is how much right do YOU have to decide what goes into YOUR body without Government supervision and tax money spent and not saved. Whats next? ban McDonald's because the side effects is that it makes America fat and unhealthy?(not a bad idea really lol) Kudos to WSAZ for letting open minded people voice there opinion! Eala you were able to voice your opinion and I dont agree with it but do respect it. I do request that same amount of curiosity in return. If you want to blame somebody then blame yourself for wanting censorship and loss of freedoms to those who dare think outside of the box. Shame on you!

Posted by: bliss on Dec 28, 2008 at 05:31 AM
Eela.. you say so yourself: there is no scientific evidence to back up your claims, so you do not know what you're talking about. This is not a drug that kids are just going to pick up, get addicted to, or use on a regular basis. It is mainly used for meditation purposes, as has been stated already in previous comments. The effects of the plant are extremely short and would not be a drug of choice for someone that just wants to get high. Your comments are unfounded and if you did a little research you would know your concerns are unfounded. There is no basis for our politicians to be concerned with this plant when there are FAR more dangerous drugs, IE heroin, meth, pharmaceuticals that they should focus their attention to, not a plant that very few will even use. I'm personally glad WSAZ is reporting on this, as it shows the incompetency of our lawmakers that turn a blind eye to the real problems facing our communities.

Posted by: Jewell on Dec 28, 2008 at 01:00 AM
I say it's time we declare war on our so called government... I know absolutely nothing about this herb... Good or Bad.. But, I think our government is getting way out of control... Maybe, I should say, they are wanting too much control..

Posted by: Eala...I would really like to see you go into this story a little further. on Dec 27, 2008 at 11:53 PM
People who are not fimilar with ALL the diferent types of seizues, go research them.....Then go to Youtube, type in Salvia, and draw your own conclusion.. It is my OPINION, what I am seeing each time,{through youtube} when a person twiches, or has no control of thier body parts, it MAY be a seizure. I did not come to this conclusion by myself.{I do this because I want to be aware, and educate my children.} My advice is, before you consider this as a "Happy-Fun Time", bring the videos up that is on youtube, and present them to a nerologist and ask him/her what they think is happening... That is how we become knowledgable.. {To the children,please becareful, of anything you inhale or injest.It may say on the "bottle" herbal, vitiman, or over the counter. That does not mean it is safe for YOU, ask an adult to consult your doctor}. {This is a good topic for your next story WSAZ, take the videos to a nerolgist and ask them, what they think is happening.}

Posted by: concerned parent and friend on Dec 27, 2008 at 11:21 PM
to all the comments before me making this "herb" so grand think again.. our law makers arent wasting our time or our money on this ban at all... think if you do this drug/herb (as seen on youtube) and have a result like everyone else then maybe next time instead of wasting our tax money and time on banning something your parent might be trying to pass a law with your name intacted stating how dangerous this drug/herb is and how they werent warned about the danger of it and they had passed away... think before you speak.. come on people everyone has a sister, brother, niece or newphew or a loved one for that matter that they wouldnt want to see on this drug/herb-go to youtube and see for yourself.. and if its a laughing matter to you then dont go to youtube go to a psychologist

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 27, 2008 at 08:11 PM
BLAH,BLAH,BLAH. THATS WHAT THIS STORY IS PURE B.S. IF YOU DONT LIKE IT DONT SMOKE IT,SNORT IT, CHEW IT, INJECT IT, AND LEAVE THOSE WHO DO (ME) ALONE.LOLLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLO

Posted by: Eala.. needs so much more room, for this comment!!! on Dec 27, 2008 at 07:51 PM
Ohh my gosh WSAZ!Why are you posting so many support comments and did not post the one about seizures.Ohh my goodness!Do you not realize most of these "Funny" comments,more than likey being posted by CHILDREN.I realize there is no scientific evedience to my accusations, but scientist have not said "It is not dangerous" either.So why support, the ones who think it is a funny matter and not know if it is harmful or not,and not so much the ones who realize there is something out there that could POSSABILY hurt our children."Wasted" did the same thing I did,in telling people it is not dangerous.How does he know?It is a double standard,don't you think? By the way the media bringing light to this,and not knowing the TRUE effects.Has just introduced a whole new world,that most would have not known about if it had not been shared,before the actaul research. You know better WSAZ.Don't let people on here,make it sound tempting,Do not convey to our kids "Although no one has died, Ohio wants a ban

Posted by: What If on Dec 27, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Seems as if the banning of this plant is growing in many states makes me wonder why since it has been around for many years and has healing capabilites it has been researched by a few of the major drug companies and has been broke down in compound structures the Mazatec claim it as a cure for the common cold along with other illness.So I wonder if maybe the ban is because it would put the drug companies out of business if someone came up with the cure for the common cold or what if it could be a cure for cancer just think how that would effect the business it has a purpose because god put it here and since it seems to work for illnesses why ban it.Ask yourselves if you really trust the people banning this or if you trust god just type in salvia divinorum in ask.com and do a little research before you believe everything you hear or read that is posted by a politican or the government

Posted by: Curious on Dec 27, 2008 at 05:51 PM
what about the people that actually just used it for garden decoration? You can order it from any number of plant magazines. This is just so ridiculous. My mom said she used to smoke the hair off an ear of corn they gonna ban corn too?

Posted by: Ha! on Dec 27, 2008 at 05:12 PM
You know, nutmeg can also get you high in large doses. Next time granny's baking cookies we better call the DEA to come take her away so she can't corrupt us with her drug dealing ways. Come on people, there are much bigger problems in the world than an herb.

Posted by: FYI on Dec 27, 2008 at 02:19 PM
For the people in Huntington, they sell this at Happy Camper - good stuff! It's still legal in WV.

Posted by: Not Fair on Dec 27, 2008 at 01:58 PM
That's Soo Funny, Like people have stated Before, you have a lot worse drugs out here and all they worry about is Herb. It's Ok for a Clinic to help People get off Heroin, Oxys, and Meth, in Which the Clinic gives the patient a Drug that just as Bad as the Original, But if a person is on Marijauna or "Herb" You want to Stop that. Like that Really Makes a lot of sense!! People can be pill heads and get a Job as long as they get them a prescription for the pills , but is ya Smoke "Herb" you are jusr screwed because it is not legal. I would rather have a Smoker work for me that a Pill Head. The Place is Sooo Unfair.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 27, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Hi anon. at 11:09pm, this is also called mountain sage (herb) and after reading about it I discovered where some people use it to wean people from their drug addictions. I think the gov. needs to check into this to see if what kind of drug addictions it can help with. Heck, couldn't be any worse than oxycodone.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 27, 2008 at 11:30 AM
loud music isnt bad for you mike. and its thier, not there.

Posted by: fred on Dec 27, 2008 at 11:14 AM
We need marijuana legalized, People around here are addicted to PILLS.They will do anything for them. I have alot of friends who died from the narcotics.The way I look at it is this. God made Marijuana, salvia,.. Who made the pills?

Posted by: tra on Dec 27, 2008 at 10:59 AM
I am glad they are doing this. If you have questions about the drug. go to utube and watch kids on this drug. it is terrible.

Posted by: Stephanopulous on Dec 27, 2008 at 10:47 AM
There's another herb type product that's getting very popular in the U.S called Kratom. Kratom has been used for centuries as a pain killer, and I must say that it is indeed effective. The DEA have placed Kratom on their list of "chemicals of concern", so it's only a matter of time before they ban it. It's completely legal to purchase at this time. I use it for irritable bowel syndrome and it works absolutely great,better than anything else I have taken. It never ceases to amaze me that alcohol is legal and has far greater negative impact than any of these herb type products. When was the last time you heard of someone involved in a deadly crash under the influence of Salvia or Kratom? Look how many people that have been killed at the hands of drunk drivers. Remember last year when Bobby Frazier was driving a stolen truck while intoxicated and killed four people from this area? No matter how many drunk driving laws are enacted, they have no merit until a crime is commited!

Posted by: To gvn on Dec 27, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Your post does not make good sense.Does a person that has depression not take drugs to impair their imbalance to balance them out same with hyperactivity in children doctors give them ritalin to mellow them out and that is the most over prescribed drug in history start these kids out on drugs at 6 yrs of age then wonder why by the age of 12 they are searching for stronger drugs.My little brother was prescribed valium at the age of 10 and stumbles around with drool hanging out of his head all the time and this is so called normal i dont think so

Posted by: Wasted on Dec 27, 2008 at 10:09 AM
The only thing that wasted is our tax dollars and time that our elected officals spend coming up with these lame laws.This is not a danger to the public ruled as a contributing factor in 1 suicide 2yrs ago wonder how many suicides or deaths have occurred from legal drugs such as prozac or zoloft the only difference is the herb growers dont pay to play like the big drug companies.With the state in such financinal trouble I would think we could come up with more important issues than an herb put here by god that has a purpose to waste money on trying to legislate against and besides that it will still be availible in bordering states so really all this does it make people drive a little further to obtain it but heck the price of gas is low enough we can do it of course the roads will continue falling apart but we will have cleared the state of this herb.We need to ban stupidity and start with politicans

Posted by: tattoo artist on Dec 27, 2008 at 07:44 AM
Hey GVN "WTF TATTOOED ZOMBIES".Don't discriminate art not all tattooed freaks as some may call us are drug addicts and for salvia look up what it is.SAGE.lets just let the gov. ban everything.as long as people aren't gettin hurt whats so wrong.Let us make our own decisions

Posted by: Steve on Dec 27, 2008 at 06:30 AM
I was watching the news cast and the anchorwoman couldn't even pronounce the name of it all she said was salvia in a very haphazardly way. There is a tattoo shop in Parkersburg that sells it for like 40 dollars an ounce. The government must be getting ready to sell they're own remember they dont like competition.

Posted by: Richard on Dec 27, 2008 at 06:03 AM
legalization of smoking herb(s) should be a #1 topic this year on the hill so they can concentrate on the real drugs more money has been wasted on petty stuff than the stuff the "WAR on DRUGS" should be focused on,,i`d bet you could go out and interview 50 people in this tri-state area & 40% would know someone with access to OC`s

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 27, 2008 at 04:07 AM
This isn't even a "party drug." Like Ron J. said, it's mostly used for meditation and doesn't even last long. It's stupid to ban a plant that VERY few people use. Stop the nonsense already!

Posted by: Pablo on Dec 27, 2008 at 04:02 AM
What do some people do; sit around and smoke every known plant to see if they can get high? I've never heard of this plant or the effects it can cause. Its a shame people can't just enjoy life as it is and not try to enhance it with illegal drugs. Why? Because no illegal drug will ever get at the root of a person's problem. It will only add to it. I just wish our young people would take life as it is; the good and the bad. Because no matter how bad life is, illegal drugs will only make it worse.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 26, 2008 at 11:09 PM
so is this a drug, or just an herb? many things can be made into a drug if you try hard enough. belladonna is a plant that is also deadly. it can put you in a twilight sleep, it can kill you in large doses, and it has sever other uses. it is related to your deadly nightshade place which is in the family of tomatoes, and potatoes.

Posted by: FTW on Dec 26, 2008 at 10:41 PM
I have never tried this herb but I am now curious about it. God I love how the Government says you can take blue pills to have sex, smoke cigarettes to get cancer or all those other great legal vices that do more bad than good. I say legalize ALL drugs and have a buy one get two free sale on all hard drugs like coke, heroin, oxys, meth and thin the herd out faster while making a profit from taxes. Sounds like a win-win situation to me and everybody will be happy.

Posted by: mike on Dec 26, 2008 at 09:38 PM
i think why there at it they should ban alcohol and tabacco nd everything else that is bad for us such as fried foods and loud music that way we wouldn't have to think for ourselves!!!

Posted by: Ron J. on Dec 26, 2008 at 09:22 PM
The "high" from this plant lasts a mere few minutes. No danger to teh public at all. Used mostly by those who practice meditation. Just another law we don't need.

Posted by: gvn on Dec 26, 2008 at 07:29 PM
A general law needs to be written , to deal with any substance where the user's intention is to become impared . Tatooed drug zombies roam the streets with rotted teeth ready to kill for money to continue their addictions.

Posted by: Kyle on Dec 26, 2008 at 05:20 PM
More gov't b.s.

Posted by: Captain Obvious. on Dec 26, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Can't tax it? Ban it. Our rights are slowly eroding.

Posted by: crazy stuff on Dec 26, 2008 at 04:25 PM
It's strange that this is how Ohio spends it's legislative time and energy. A relatively unknown herb that few people use. They THINK this herb MAY have CONTRIBUTED to a suicide two years ago? C'mon guys, tackle the big issues. IF there's any time left over, then you could go after harmless plants.

Posted by: what a joke on Dec 26, 2008 at 04:02 PM
there's people out there smoking crack and killing folks... raping folks... child molesters and the like... and they want to declare war on a harmless herb? HA! good job, ohio!

Posted by: ooohhhh! on Dec 26, 2008 at 03:55 PM
WHERE CAN I GET SOME OF THIS STUFF???

Posted by: head on Dec 26, 2008 at 03:49 PM
why wont people just let us have fun !!!

Posted by: dana on Dec 26, 2008 at 03:42 PM
oh great.. now we'll have one more thing to boost crime..salvia is used in the treatment of getting people off hard drugs. It makes sense that they would prohibit it when they have all that heroin to sell that they stole from the middle east.

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