Salvia: Lethal And Legal: What You Must Know To Protect Your Teen

If you hear your teen talking about salvia, magic mint or Maria Pastora, he's not referring to a kid at school, a kind of gum, or mispronouncing the proper name for spit. He's talking about a new, legal drug (salvia) that is becoming increasingly popular among teens and college students. Here is what parents must know about salvia:

Salvia Is A Legal, Potent Hallucinogen: Salvia, or salvia divinorum, is a herb native to Mexico that is typically smoked to create a hallucinogenic "high". Salvia was originally used by Indians for healing. It is widely used today as a legal alternative to hallucinogens like LSD. In fact, the hallucinogenic chemical in salvia, salvinorin-A, is chemically similar to the active ingredient in LSD. The concentration of salvinorin-A is located in salvia's leaves and stems. While salvia can be steeped in a tea or chewed, it's usually smoked. That's because it takes too long (5-10 minutes) to feel the effects of chewing. When smoked, salvia's effects are nearly immediate and last for up to 30 minutes. The user's experience can include out-of-body visions, delusional thinking, paranoia and seriously impaired judgment. In most states, salvia is totally legal and is readily available for purchase on the Internet. Bags of salvia typically cost around $20 per ounce. Rarely do buyers receive any warnings about potential risks. There are only a handful of countries (Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Estoria, Finland, Italy, Spain and Swedenin) in which salvia has been placed under regulatory. Within the U.S., salvia is illegal only in Louisiana. Delaware, Missouri, Tennessee and Oklahoma have placed controls on Salvia. In the rest of the nation and on the Internet, salvia is completely legal.

Parents Must Educate Their Children About The Dangers Of Salvia: For confused, impressionable teens seeking anything to help them fit in and solve problems, salvia can undoubtedly be tempting. Even more frightening to parents is the fact that most lawmakers have not yet addressed salvia's dangers. Many teens are under the impression that salvia is safe because it is legal. It is up to parents to change this perception and to treat salvia like any other dangerous drug about which you should educate your children. Lovingly present your teen with the facts before he's in a risky situation. Make clear that you intend the conversation to be an open, loving exchange. When kids don't feel comfortable talking to parents, they're likely to seek unreliable, dangerous answers elsewhere.

Parents Should Provide A Supportive Home Environment That Minimizes Your Child's Salvia Risk: Ensure that your child is not among those at high risk for salvia experimentation. Kids with friends who use drugs are more likely to try drugs themselves. Feeling socially isolated makes a child more vulnerable to drugs. Know your child's friends and his parents. Be involved in your child's life and in any anti-drug program your child's school offers. Pay attention to how your child is feeling and let him know that you are always available and willing to listen and help in a nonjudgmental way. Recognize when he is going through difficult times so that you can provide the support needed or seek professional help if necessary. Create a warm, open family environment where your teen knows he is safe to discuss all issues and share any feelings. Make your home a place where achievements are praised and self-esteem is bolstered. When censored or uncomfortable in their own homes, kids go elsewhere to find support and acceptance.

With salvia being so widely available, legal and cheap, parents must take every available action to ensure their kids don't find salvia too intriguing to refuse. Inform and educate your child about salvia's dangers and misconceptions and provide a safe, caring environment where open communication is exchanged. Doing so will help strengthen your relationship with your child and increase the chance that your child will pass on salvia and make better choices.