Hallucinogenic herb legal to use in NZ

A potent hallucinogenic drug, banned in Australia and being progressively outlawed in the United States, will remain legal in New Zealand.

Salvia divinorum, a herb from the sage family that Mazatec Indians in Mexico have long used for spiritual and healing purposes, appears set to be regulated instead of banned.

Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton said he would soon consider recommending salvia divinorum be regulated "in line with expert recommendations". It would not be banned, he said. "Evidence shows it is a psychoactive drug that should be regulated."

The drug, bought in powder form and often chewed or smoked through a water pipe, has similar hallucinogenic qualities to magic mushrooms and lsd. Its effects are relatively short and can put users in a dream-like state, prompting visual and auditory hallucinations.

It has become more popular in New Zealand since the banning of BZP party pills this year. Its profile has also increased thanks to numerous YouTube videos that show teenagers laughing uncontrollably, falling over and unable to hold conversations.

In the US it has been banned or heavily regulated in about 20 states, and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill last week that made it illegal to sell the drug to people under the age of 18. Australia banned salvia divinorum in 2002 and Italy made its sale and possession illegal in 2005.

Mr Anderton, who pushed through the BZP ban, said salvia divinorum was of "low risk and should not be classified like BZP at this time".

- © Fairfax NZ News

Newest First

Oldest First

Pharaeus Lysander   #1   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I believe that there needs to be further objective scientific research into substances such as these and regulation is a good move especially in regards to its accessibility.

The subsequent scientific discoveries, physiological and psychological discoveries then need to be made public. Education is paramount to allowing individuals choice in regards to ingesting such substances. Risks are identified not through scare tactics, but are outlined giving the individual freedom to participate in ingestion of such substances aware of the potential consequences however the scientific community chose to perceive them.

I personally believe that the modern world has lost the sense of sacredness involved in ingesting 'medicinal' plants. No Maxatec Indian would consume a plant such as this without consulting a practioner with the knowledge to guide the individual through the process and allow the participant a chance to gain knowledge from the experience. I find it abhorrent that that which is sacred to these cultures is readily used without the sense of respect that these people give it.

Psychologists have had fantastic results in curing Alcoholics with the African Hallucinogen Ibogaine; perhaps there is merit in further investigation in the use of hallucinogens to help many other diseases of mind and body? Only open, respectful and sincere investigative scientific research will further our understanding of these unique flora's potentials in such fields.

Ad Feedback