Salvia is the little herb with the big impact. This naturally occurring plant – a resident of Mexico – is a close brother of the mint plant. If the leaves of the Salvia plant are smoked or chewed they may induce hallucinogenic effects the users. The effect is generally quite mild and will not last long. The concentrated extract of the Salvia plant is much more potent – up to 60 times more potent than the plant itself – and is the most potent naturally occurring hallucinogenic known.

While Salvia is very much a legal drug under US federal drug law, several states have taken the legal steps to make Salvia banned or restricted in some way. Something like 20 other states are starting the legal process that will ultimately see the use, possession and sale of Salvia banned.

Experts and industry commentators calculate that, by 2010, federal legislators will ensure that laws are in place to see Salvia banned.

The backlash against Salvia is likely to have started when a Delaware teen’s parents blamed his tragic suicide on his heavy use of Salvia. Their outrage is perhaps understandable, as is their push to see Salvia banned. Salvia is now illegal in Delaware.