N.C. mulls ban on hallucinogenic Salvia

RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Some North Carolina lawmakers say they want to ban the hallucinogenic herb Salvia before it gets out of hand.

A bill in the North Carolina Legislature would banish the currently legal substance to the Schedule I list, which is reserved for potent drugs such as LSD and heroin.

Lawmakers told the Raleigh (N.C.) News and Observer that while scientific study of Salvia is lacking, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence of its powerful effects.

"Methamphetamine got out of control before we did anything about that," said State Sen. William Purcell, D-Scotland, a retired doctor, "I'm hoping we can do something sooner this time."

Salvia has been banned or restricted in some states.

Some drug experts say Salvia doesn't have the appeal to become a wide-spread problem since the high it produces is short-lived and often results in an unpleasant and longer-lasting hangover.