Salvia Divinorum Laws: A Global Overview

Salvia divinorum is an herb that alters the mood and perception of a user, generally after it is inhaled. Originally grown in Oaxaca, Mexico, it is now available legally in many countries. While a few nations and states have enacted laws criminalizing the possession of the substance, a lack of research into its effects keeps most from legislating bans.

Geography

• As of 2009, bans on the herb are enforced only in Australia and some European countries, including Belgium, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Significance

• The United Kingdom twice brought the question of banning the substance to a parliamentary motion, in 2005 and 2008, but the motion failed to garner enough support to be enacted.

Effects

• Salvia divinorum does not meet the regulation requirements of the Controlled Substances Act in the United States, meaning the Drug Enforcement Agency has not classified it as a controlled substance. However, a few states have made the herb illegal. Others have legislation only restricting its sale.

Function

• The most common action taken regarding the regulation of the herb is keeping a record of the people who purchase it. Most tobacco and medicinal herb shops that sell Salvia simply ask for proof that the buyer is over 18.

Considerations

• Proponents of the herb say that it is not habit-forming and produces no known side effects.