Recreational Herb Off The Market

A drug popularized on the internet as a legal way to get high is now illegal.

Wednesday, June 11th 2008, 9:55 pm

By: News On 6


A drug popularized on the internet as a legal way to get high is now illegal. Oklahoma is one of the first states in the nation to ban Salvia. The News On 6's Ashli Sims reports Oklahoma lawmakers wanted to nip this drug trend in the bud.

Salvia owes some of its popularity among teenagers to YouTube videos. Users light up and video tape the drug's effects, which can range from non-stop giggles to hallucinations that are no laughing matter.

It is touted on the internet as a legal way to get high and enhance spirituality. Oklahoma law enforcement and lawmakers have banned the drug, calling it a powerful hallucinogenic that can cause users to become incoherent and unconscious.

The drug isn't just taking off on the internet.

A News On 6 producer was sent into a Midtown store to find out just how easy it is to score some Salvia.

"Is that Salvia?" asked the buyer.

"Yeah," said the clerk.

Packages of Salvia were on display and on sale for less than $20.

"It's worth it. Just buy it. It's worth it," said the clerk.

"It's worth it," said the buyer.

The clerk says he's having trouble keeping it in stock.

"I gotta lot of people come in and buy it. Matter fact, I had a girl leave her number," said the clerk.

"Really?" asked the buyer.

"So I could call her and tell her when it's coming in," said the clerk.

The store's owner says it won't be coming in anymore. He says now that Salvia is banned, he's pulling it from the shelves. Although he says the leaf form of the drug is virtually harmless.

Some gardeners might be familiar with Salvia flowers. Only one strain, Salvia Divinorum, which is grown in Southern Mexico, is used to get high.

The News On 6 doesn't want to encourage drug use, but it's important for parents to know that this is out there, it is illegal and kids are trying it.

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