Social - Research

[paddy]

Hello All,

SWIM is a doctoral student in Law and is conducting some research on entheogens. The research is exploring the use of entheogens in connection with the UK's Misuse of Drugs Act and the European Convention on Human Right's right of religion.

SWIM would be very happy to hear from people on a few questions. Especially Salvia. As this is still an under-researched drug it is hard to get reliable information therefore, cooperation from other's is valuable. That said, has anyone encountered news reports, media stories, academic writing that has documented the use of Salvia and its growing popularity? Or can anyone provide anecdotal evidence of the growing popularity of the herb? Are they growing in popularity for their religious/divine potentials or merely as a recreational drug?

Also, if anyone would be happy to answer those questions in conjunction with other entheogens SWIM would be very happy.

Thank You so much

[TheMainException]

Is this UK only?

[paddy]

SWIM would be happy to hear of your opinions outside of the UK as well if you believe it is interesting. SWIM is particularly interested in the USA as well.

Thanks

[helikophis]

Not to be flip, but have you tried the search engine? There are almost certainly news stories, testimonials, and possibly documents relating to this topic on the forum.

[paddy]

Cheers Helikophis, but yes I have researched fully most avenues available at this point. However, good anthropology/legal analysis should try to be as 'grass roots' as possible. So, if you have any additional info it is always appreciated.

[TheMainException]

I've heard of quite a few news stories that have talked about salvia's "dangers" and jr. high school kids' use of the stuff. Youtube.com has banned videos in which the people use substances and many states in the US are making it illegal left and right.

Many kids are just doing it because their friends said it was funny...a lot of them run around the woods freaking out or in their rooms being laughed and video taped by friends as they shake their heads wildly and fall on the floor. Some get hysterical and laugh for twenty minutes and then it's over.

Others, ones you don't hear about much, do it for "religious" purposes or at least responsible purposes that are carefully planned and a sitter is often present.

A good place to check out info on any sort of chemical, plant, herb, drug that could be used is erowid dot com. Check it out. It's a very neat place for research.