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December 2, 2008 8:09:57 PM CST

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Hallucinogenic Plant's High May Knock Medical Use Down

Posted Sep 9, 08 7:47 AM CDT in US,  Science & Health 

(Newser) – A hallucinogenic herb pharmacologists believe holds great promise for pain relief and mental health treatment is facing tough restrictions thanks to thrill-seekers, the New York Times reports. Users of the highly potent psychedelic Salvia divinorum—dubbed "Magic Mint" by users—have been posting videos of their trips on YouTube, which often become Exhibit A when states seek to ban it.

"They’re not really taking it as a tool to explore their inner psyche,” complained a Californian who pioneered the production of salvia extracts. “They’re just taking it to get messed up." Scientists believe salvia should be regulated but fear that criminalization—a move backed by a growing number of lawmakers—will block research into the subject when information is still scarce.

Source New York Times

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The US Drug Enforcement Administration considers salvia divinorum a drug of concern.   (KRT Photos)
Daniel Siebert, an amateur botanist, poses with salvia divinorum plants outside his Malibu, Calif., home.   (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)
Graphic shows states that have passed and are trying to pass legislation to ban or regulate Salvia divinorum.   (AP Photo)
Packaging and a packet containing salvia divinorum, a legal hallucinogenic drug sold at novelty stores, smoke shops and adult video stores, are shown in Oregon.   (AP Photo/Don Ryan, File)
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We have this incredible new compound, the first in its class; it absolutely has potential medical use, and here we’re talking about throttling it because some people get intoxicated on it. - Dr. John Mendelson, a pharmacologist at the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute

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drugs • mental health • DEA • substance abuse • hallucinogens • hallucinogenic


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