Pubdate: Fri, 25 Feb 2011
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2011 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/send_a_letter
Website: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n123/a08.html
Author: Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

POWERFUL HALLUCINOGEN

We would like to respond to the Feb. 23 editorial No need to ban 
salvia on the Government of Canada's recent proposal to control 
salvia divinorum and salvinorin A.

We want to eliminate the misconception that salvia is a safer 
alternative to street drugs.

It is not.

Salvia divinorum, and its active ingredient salvinorin A, can produce 
powerful hallucinations similar to those associated with the use of 
the well-known hallucinogen LSD, which is a controlled substance. 
Other effects include confusion, disorientation and anxiety.

In Canada, about seven per cent of youth aged 15 to 24 have tried 
salvia. This represents about 300,000 young people -- a rate that is 
similar to that for cocaine and ecstasy, and a rate much higher than 
that for LSD.

The move to control these substances is also consistent with actions 
taken by several other countries, such as Australia, Belgium, 
Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, South Korea, Spain 
and Sweden. All have placed similar controls on the import and/or 
sale of salvia divinorum and/or salvinorin A. Some U.S. states have 
taken action to restrict their use, sale and/or distribution.

Leona Aglukkaq

Minister of Health

Ottawa
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom