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State Representative Joe Atkins
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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LAWMAKER SEEKS TO OUTLAW LITTLE-KNOWN HALLUCINOGENIC DRUG
ST. PAUL – State Representative Joe Atkins introduced legislation (HF2949) this session that is drawing attention to a little-known issue – the increasing trade and use of a dangerous drug known as salvia divinorum. Growing in popularity among college-age students, salvia divinorum is a powerful hallucinogenic substance with effects comparable to LSD. The drug sells for about $8 per pound, and can be easily purchased by young users over the Internet or from local producers.
"Allowing easy access to salvia divinorum is putting our young people at risk," stated Rep. Atkins. "A hallucinogen as powerful as LSD should not be legal here in our state."
According to a recent report from ABC News' Law and Justice Unit, salvia divinorum leaves, when chewed or smoked, produce a hallucinogenic high that lasts anywhere between 15 minutes and three hours. The drug has a wide range of effects on users including psychedelic hallucinations, intense feelings of calm, panic, and even depression.
"This is clearly a potent and dangerous substance," said Atkins. "Keeping it off the market should be a top priority in the effort to protect Minnesotans alike from the adverse affects of drug addiction and substance abuse."
The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has not classified salvia divinorum as a controlled substance – leaving it for states to decide on the legality of the drug. Delaware, Louisiana, and Missouri recently banned the substance outright. Tennessee's new law banned salvia divinorum, with limited exceptions.
"More and more kids are discovering salvia divinorum every day. We need to act now to outlaw its sale and use in Minnesota," Atkins said.
Atkins' bill passed on a voice vote in the House Public Safety and Civil Justice Committee yesterday and is moving its way through the legislative process. It is scheduled for a hearing in the House Public Safety Finance Committee in the coming weeks.
News Items
- Rep. Atkins, Sen. Lourey Introduce Health Insurance Exchange Legislation - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:44PM)
- Rep. Atkins – Statement on Deal to End NHL Lockout - (Posted: Jan 7 2013 2:05PM)
- Rep. Atkins to Hold Minnesota House Hearing on Economic Impact of Hockey Lockout - (Posted: Jan 2 2013 3:20PM)
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