Don't knock the herb


Published on Monday, December 17, 2007 10:36 PM AKST

Earlier this year, Senate Bill 38 was submitted to our Legislature, which would add Salvia divinorum to the state's list of scheduled (controlled) substances. Thankfully, this bill will allow controlled use for medical research, because here we have another "herb" fallen victim to the power of the federal and state government.

Some of salvia's top effects are listed as a contemplative sense of peace, a sense of profound understanding and uncontrollable laughter. Surely the federal and state government must be fully aware we have too much of this already in our society, so why not ban it instead.

After all, there are no known health risks associated with its use, and its medicinal use could affect the sales of over the counter drugs, alcohol and tobacco — all things we can’t let happen, now can we?

Nobody opposed SB 38 moving forward, possibly forever banning hojas de Maria Pastora, also known as the leaves of Mary Shepherdess, which is one of many sacred names given to Salvia divinorum. So, it was done, as that is the protocol with lawmakers.

Another non-addictive, non-narcotic medicinal herb has bitten the dust. Maybe catnip is next? I forgive our state government for condemning Salvia before even giving it a chance. As the saying goes, ignorance is bliss.

Dustin Lee Billings

Big Lake

Comments

15 comment(s)

    Anne D'Weirdo wrote on Dec 29, 2007 9:48 AM:

    " Dick Nixon was the first pres to use the term "war on drugs". Ray-Gun Admin was only resposible for that stupid "Just say No" slogan the DEA. "

    BaBAM!! wrote on Dec 26, 2007 12:35 AM:

    " Salvia divinorum is far more dangerous then the op has let on. its only suposed to be used for religous purposes. its sold becouse its a legal holucinagin(spelling probably wrong) theres a list on some sites warning not to use alone or if you are manic depressive or have other mental problems. "

    This is nothing.... wrote on Dec 22, 2007 1:08 PM:

    " .... check out the rant that is going on regarding the separation of church and state. 74 posts for your reading pleasure. Politics, religion and you folks could add drugs to the mix for a perfect bloggers storm. Ya might want to smoke some first so that you remain calm though. "

    Cynthia wrote on Dec 21, 2007 7:14 PM:

    " just have to add this fried brains.reading your earlier post I missed about 'blaming bush'LOL, who's been prez.the last seven years? duh,yeah we blame him! I've been wanting to ask a someone who supports bush - if everything in the last seven years were uttlery the same, 911,the war,illegal wire taps, faulty intelligence, deficits,rendition/torture,etc. etc. but the only difference would be that a democrat were president - would you be OK with the way the past seven years have gone? Just curious. Anyway, I've enjoyed your comments fried brains - toad licking is kinda gross! Merry christmas! "

    Cynthia wrote on Dec 21, 2007 6:27 PM:

    " Hm?'politcal rage' - I didn't say anything mean-just wanted to point out that much of your whining about liberals can go both ways: conservatives have agendas, are lobbied and spend our tax $$$ just as easily as dems.in fact this administration seems to spend our tax$$ & create deficits pretty darn well.On the real subject, though - I think it's unfortuante that 'drugs' are so taboo.they've been used for thousands of years & have proved to help people with alcohol/drug addictions.the failure of the war on drugs needs to be addressed - I think we could all agree on that. "

    ok fried brains... wrote on Dec 21, 2007 2:16 PM:

    " Merry Christmas to all of you looney toons too. And Cynthia, my gosh, you might want to get some help for your political comment rage. Like I said in the beginning, just elect more democrats. Hilary is your man. I think my work is done here. Talk about stirring the "pot". Now about those people who lick toads..... "

    Cynthia wrote on Dec 21, 2007 12:59 PM:

    " to understand indigenous use of psychotropic plants - peyote/huichol, mushrooms/mazatec(maria sabina), ayahuasca/amazon,for starters. There is a problem in neo-shamanic communities to me,taking a 'drug' does not make you automatically enlightened, and most people have difficulty incorporating their experiences into daily life. The entire 'say no' policy was a backlash from the immature, indiscriminate use of the 60's.The beauty in these sacred plants is that there does not need to be a 'belief' system - it's direct experience.most americans are simply uneducated in their historic use.synthetic drugs are the problem - and human nature. "

    Cynthia wrote on Dec 21, 2007 11:19 AM:

    " Fried Brains: first, I would like to point out that the current administration has put into effect homeland security, patriot act, etc. brain-children of the conservative party long before 911 & the aftermath thereof gave them the perfect opportunity to put into effect these fascist-like policies, how's that for controlling your life? And as for spending our $$ - let's talk about the Iraq War (which we supposedly 'won' already) - how's that for spending your $$? And who started this ridiculous 'war'on drugs - that's right - Ronald Reagan. "

    ok fried brains... wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:47 AM:

    " Sounds like you are angry with your state for helping to elect Bush. Blame Bush. Another left wing mantra. Don't forget, left wing wacko land elected the likes of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. Now those two are a couple of real winners. Hey, if you are lucky, the left wing democrat controlled Alaska legislature will make dope/herbs legal for you again. I would write more, but I have to get to my anger management class. The thought of Hilary as president makes me angry. "

    Dandylioness wrote on Dec 21, 2007 7:13 AM:

    " Hey, How about we slip a little Salvia into OK Fried Brains beer. Might mellow that fellow a bit. He sounds soooo angry! Chill dude! Enough with the liberal left wing garbage. This is the state that gave our whopping 3 electoral votes to elect George Bush! Conservative??? Naw, just stupid!!! "

    Pro-Salvia Dustin Billings wrote on Dec 19, 2007 12:07 PM:

    " Susitna Slim, if you want to know about Salvia usage then www.erowid.org is always a good reference. In regards to the comments by Ketupekiet Sisep..."there are warnings on numerous sites about not having weapons, knives, or other dangerous objects around, while a person is using it." Would you want those things around anyways while experiencing a contemplative sense of peace, a sense of profound understanding and uncontrollable laughter? Thanks for the feedback though. "

    OK fried brains... wrote on Dec 19, 2007 9:37 AM:

    " Just keep electing democrats. They want to control every last aspect of your life, because according to the liberal left wing bleeding hearts, you are too stupid to know what is good for you. And you sure don't know how to spend your own money either, so they will spend it for you. Surprising they don't legalize all drugs and help you fry your brains quicker before you figure out what is going on. But if you could somehow prove that growing these herbs slows down "global warming" you might just win the battle. "

    Anne D'Weirdo wrote on Dec 18, 2007 1:21 PM:

    " Wonderful, a new battlefront in the unending and unwinable war. "

    Ketupekiet Sisep wrote on Dec 18, 2007 9:47 AM:

    " It's interesting that when you read about this herb, there are warnings on numerous sites about not having weapons, knives, or other dangerous objects around, while a person is using it. Sure sounds safe to me. "

    Susitna Slim wrote on Dec 18, 2007 9:24 AM:

    " Dustin, could one use these leaves as an ingredient for brownies? Where could one purchase these leaves? Could they be used to make tea? One thing is for certain, there is no shortage of ignorance within our government. "

WRITE A COMMENT

Use the form below to post a brief comment to this story, or respond to other readers. Please use the word count tool to assist you in keeping your remarks to 100 words or fewer.

Comments must be approved by an editor before appearing on the Web site. Editors review submitted comments periodically during the day for offensive or off-topic content before posting. Your thoughtful contribution to the online discussion is appreciated.

(optional)
Current Word Count:
   

Classifieds




Make Us Your Homepage