Salvia Divinorum Ban in Maine USA

[Nagognog2]

Bill to ban new drug moves gets Senate approval

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- The Maine Senate on Tuesday joined the House and gave preliminary approval to a bill that would bar possession and sale of a drug known as salvia. The new restrictions would apply to youths.

The House of Representatives last week passed the measure by an overwhelming margin, and the Senate routinely passed it Tuesday without a roll call vote.

Rep. Chris Barstow, a Gorham Democrat who is sponsoring the bill, said there are currently no restrictions on the mind-altering hallucinogen in Maine.

As amended, the bill would prohibit the transfer of salvia divinorum to anyone under 18 years of age, and possession by anyone under 18. Penalties are similar to those for possession of tobacco by minors. Barstow's bill faces final votes.

Other states are also looking at banning the drug. A bill in Oregon's legislature seeks to prohibit the sale of salvia and make the plant a controlled substance, on a par with ecstasy or synthetic heroin.

Tennessee banned consumption of a hallucinogenic chemical contained in salvia last June.

The herb is available on the Internet and in stores that sell drug paraphernalia.