Update: The St. Peters ordinance discussed below was passed on January 23, 2003.

First Local Restrictions
on the Sale of Salvia Divinorum Proposed

Introduced last October by U.S. Representative Joe Baca (D-Calif.), HR 5607 or the Hallucinogen Control Act of 2002, would have added Salvia divinorum and its active principle, Salvinorin A, to Schedule I of the federal Controlled Substances Act. The bill died in committee last month when the 107th Congress adjourned.  Baca said the bill was intended to “create awareness” about the dangers of Salvia, which he likens to Ecstasy before it was outlawed, and has vowed to introduce a similar bill when the 108th Congress convenes later this month.

Authorities in St. Peters, Missouri, who describe the plant as “chewable marijuana,” apparently share Congressman Baca’s concerns.  St. Peters police claim to have witnessed a recent increase in the popularity of Salvia use among teen-agers, prompting police chief Tom Bishop to urge city officials to pass an ordinance outlawing the sale of Salvia divinorum to anyone under the age of 18. 

In the meantime, local stores that sell Salvia in leaf or concentrate form are cooperating with police efforts to restrict sales to minors.  Nevertheless, department spokesman Sergeant Dave Kuppler said the ordinance is needed to give police “as much ability to control [Salvia] as the law can allow.”

If the St. Peters ordinance is passed in the absence of federal or state regulation it will be the first of its kind nationwide.

Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in efforts to outlaw Salvia divinorum by visiting CCLE’s Salvia Divinorum Action Center.  And please consider making a contribution to the Salvia Defense Fund to help CCLE continue to oppose the inappropriate scheduling of this visionary plant.  For a tax-deductible donation of $20 or more you will receive a copy of the CCLE report, Salvia divinorum: Information Concerning the Plant and its Active Principle.

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