State Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson seems to be quite intimidated by the currently legal substance called salvia divinorum.
Salvia divinorum (Salvia), if you haven't heard about it, is a mild hallucinogen with immediate effects lasting about a few minutes. Salvia may be followed by a headache, but typically is associated with improved mood, calmness, and a renewed sense of being "in tune" with nature -- You know, "That Hippie Stuff." But that's enough about the Salvia "hangover." Let's talk about Salvia's immediate effects, which can range anywhere from (you guessed it!) salivating, to the sensation of being in several places at once, to intense, uncontrollable laughter.
Doesn't that sound just god awful? Laughing. Sounds like a dangerous substance to me. I mean, being tickled is extremely unpleasant, but it makes me laugh. Salvia must be the same thing. These poor Salvia addicts must be set free!
Oh, wait. I forgot to mention, Salvia is not believed to be an addictive substance. And it is suggested to use salvia, not at a party, but as a personal journey in a controlled setting with a sober "sitter". Hmm.
I wonder if Rep. Anderson has done all of his research before pushing this bill to make posession of less than a gram of salvia a felony offense. Curious, don't you think, seeing as possession of marijuana begins as a misdemeanor?
The author of the Capitol Annex blog points out that most of Anderson's supporters are members of the same evangelical church, that the media has taken this story and run, and that Anderson's bill seems incredibly harsh considering Congress declined to regulate salvia and it is currently available over the counter in Texas. The author also lists the history of the marijuana fight and the uncanny resemblance between the beginning of that with the beginning of this salvia fight.
So, friends, you may want to start saying your goodbyes to this centuries old and legal, but highly dangerous hallucinogenic substance, because it may not be available much longer. OR, Anderson may find himself the recipient of many protesting letters. Mine will be one. Will yours?
Write to:
Charles "Doc" Anderson, State Representative
PO Box 7752
Waco, Texas 76714
Phone: (254) 772-7363
http://www.docandersonfortexas.com/
Test Blog #1
14 years ago
