2008 Woodie Awards
Point-Counterpoint
Should the Wisconsin State Assembly make Salvia Divinorum illegal?
Anna Schmidt
Issue date: 4/9/08 Section: Opinion
Stay tough on drug policy
Salvia is a commonly known herb that, when used correctly, can be chewed or smoked to produce a psychedelic high for the consumer. The Wisconsin State Legislature is currently debating the passage of a law that would make the possession and use of salvia illegal. Although I am not an advocate for the illegalization of drugs, I do believe that if some psychedelic-producing drugs are illegal, all should be illegal. I think that having exceptions defeats the purpose of banning any one to begin with.
Another issue I have with Salvia is the fact that the FDA has yet to approve it for safe use. We do not really know the effects, both short and long term, this herb can have on its consumers, and that scares me. The short-term effects of Salvia that appeal to its consumers are also frightening. Salvia is known for causing visualization, time distortions, social disassociations, altered thought patterns, altered behavior, childlike states, and extreme senses of fear and panic. These effects can have dangerous consequences because of their ability to alter one's perceptions and behaviors. Salvia affects its consumer in comparable ways to marijuana, and if one is illegal, I say both should be.
I think that if Wisconsin is going to stay tough on drugs, the passage of legislation banning the use of Salvia should occur. Delaware, Louisiana, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, and Tennessee have all passed laws banning the production and use of Salvia, and it's Wisconsin's turn to hop on the bandwagon.
I am well aware that arguing against drug use on a liberal college campus is not going to come with strong support, but I just want people to consider the reality of the drug. We don't know much about it, it produces strong psychedelic effects similar to marijuana, and its not been approved by the FDA. Look at the facts, should this drug be legal while marijuana stays illegal? I do not believe so. It's all or nothing to me. Either legalize the use of drugs, or ban them all.
Salvia is a commonly known herb that, when used correctly, can be chewed or smoked to produce a psychedelic high for the consumer. The Wisconsin State Legislature is currently debating the passage of a law that would make the possession and use of salvia illegal. Although I am not an advocate for the illegalization of drugs, I do believe that if some psychedelic-producing drugs are illegal, all should be illegal. I think that having exceptions defeats the purpose of banning any one to begin with.
Another issue I have with Salvia is the fact that the FDA has yet to approve it for safe use. We do not really know the effects, both short and long term, this herb can have on its consumers, and that scares me. The short-term effects of Salvia that appeal to its consumers are also frightening. Salvia is known for causing visualization, time distortions, social disassociations, altered thought patterns, altered behavior, childlike states, and extreme senses of fear and panic. These effects can have dangerous consequences because of their ability to alter one's perceptions and behaviors. Salvia affects its consumer in comparable ways to marijuana, and if one is illegal, I say both should be.
I think that if Wisconsin is going to stay tough on drugs, the passage of legislation banning the use of Salvia should occur. Delaware, Louisiana, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, and Tennessee have all passed laws banning the production and use of Salvia, and it's Wisconsin's turn to hop on the bandwagon.
I am well aware that arguing against drug use on a liberal college campus is not going to come with strong support, but I just want people to consider the reality of the drug. We don't know much about it, it produces strong psychedelic effects similar to marijuana, and its not been approved by the FDA. Look at the facts, should this drug be legal while marijuana stays illegal? I do not believe so. It's all or nothing to me. Either legalize the use of drugs, or ban them all.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 5
Steve
posted 4/08/08 @ 2:49 PM CST
When you say "we don't know much about salvia," speak for yourself. Any educated individual can research the effects which are well documented.
"Salvia affects its consumer in comparable ways to marijuana, and if one is illegal, I say both should be. (Continued…)
Matt
posted 4/08/08 @ 8:12 PM CST
First off after lots of research(and never having tried either) I've heard that marijuana and Salvia are nothing like eachother.
I disagree that because one drug is illegal it means others should be, I think we should wait until the long term side effects are found and then decide if it should be illegal, as long as it can be safely used I don't see why it should be illegal. (Continued…)
Brandon
posted 4/09/08 @ 8:34 PM CST
Our world is filled with thousands of plants that can imbibe psychotropic effects. Every living person 'trips' on Schedule 1 DMT every time they get a good night's rest. (Continued…)
Jack
posted 4/10/08 @ 12:35 PM CST
I agree with Steve. This is just shoddy journalism.
Comparing marijuana and salvia? If you had truly inquired into the nature of either drug you would know this is a poor comparison. (Continued…)
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