Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

No salvia divinorum possession

Published (6/1/2010)
By Mike Cook
Share on: 



A drug that is becoming more popular with teenagers and 20-somethings will be illegal.

Sponsored by Rep. Morrie Lanning (R-Moorhead) and Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria), a new law creates a misdemeanor for possession of salvia divinorum and a gross misdemeanor for its sale.

The law takes effect Aug. 1, 2010.

Derived from an herb from Mexico and known for its hallucinogenic effects that are often compared to LSD, salvia divinorum is either chewed or smoked. Its psychic effects include perceptions of bright lights and vivid colors, uncontrolled laughter and hallucinations. Harmful physical effects may include lack of coordination, dizziness and slurred speech.

Twenty states have made this illegal, including North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Salvia divinorum is sold by head shops on a retail basis, making it problematic, especially in towns bordering other states.

A 2009 national survey indicated 5.9 percent of high school seniors had used salvia divinorum, more than have used the drug ecstasy.

HF2975/ SF2773*/CH368

Session Weekly More...


Session Weekly Home



Related Stories


Turn your key and breathe
House approves ignition interlock bill that would let DWI offenders drive sooner
(view full story) Published 4/29/2010

Minnesota Index: Crime and punishment
Figures and statistics on crime in Minnesota.
(view full story) Published 3/18/2010

Red River Basin: ‘Here we go again’
Flood-prone communities look to keep their heads above water
(view full story) Published 3/4/2010

At Issue: Courts and corrections backing
Public safety finance bill awaits gubernatorial action
(view full story) Published 5/15/2009

At Issue: Corrections, courts funding concerns
Omnibus public safety finance bill gets mixed reaction from House
(view full story) Published 5/1/2009

At Issue: Sex offenders, courts and corrections
Omnibus public safety policy bill headed to conference committee
(view full story) Published 4/24/2009

At Issue: Helping to find missing adults
House vote expected soon on ‘Brandon’s Law’
(view full story) Published 4/17/2009

Minnesota Index: Keeping Minnesotans safe
Figures and statistics on the state patrol and fire marshals in Minnesota
(view full story) Published 3/20/2009

Minnesota Index: See you in court
Figures and statistics on Minnesota's court system
(view full story) Published 2/27/2009

Minnesota Index: 'The Graybar Hotel'
Figures and statistics on Minnesota's prison population
(view full story) Published 1/16/2009