A popular new hallucinogen is for sale – legally – in local head shops for $75.00 an ounce.

Not enough is known about Salvia divinorum.  Does it have dangerous side effects?  Is it a "gateway drug"?  Should it be available to minors?  Would research demonstrate any beneficial effects?  Should the Legislature put Salvia on a Controlled Substance List?  Representative Barbara Marumoto says yes!

We may find out these answers if SB 1058 SD2 HD 2 passes the House on April 14th and makes it though a conference committee.  The House version of the bill calls for a Task Force on Salvia Divinorum to be headed by the Director of Public Safety.  The Director will probably designate the head of Narcotics Enforcement Division (NED) of the department to convene the Task Force.   Its job will be to:

1) Research the uses and effects of Salvia divinorum and its primary psychoactive constituent, Salvinorin A, on adults and minors

2) Research what other states have enacted into legislation

3) Recommend appropriate legislation for Hawaii

4) Address other issues as the task force deems appropriate.

So far 10 countries and 19 states either restrict or ban Salvia.  Hawaii needs to catch up.

SB 1058 SD2 HD2 also sets up a Medical Cannabis Task Force that was not a subject of Rep. Marumoto's original bill. 

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UPDATE: SB 1058 has passed the House

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Salvia is also sold in smoke shops like Smokey's in Waikiki.

"I would say we sell if not one a day one every other day. The military guys love it because they don't get drug tested for it," said Sochocki, a Smokey's employee.

Smokey's sells salvia for $30 to $120, depending on the potency.

"Once you start getting up to times 40 yes it can be a really powerful psychedelic, you'll see things shoot, you won't remember your name you'll start drooling a little bit your hands will sweat a little bit," said Sochocki.

"They become afraid may jump off buildings may do things like most hallucinogenic substances," said Kamita.

Because of the potential danger, State Representative Barbara Marumoto is pushing for a bill that would create a task force to study salvia and its effects.

Senate Bill 1058 is scheduled for a vote before the full House tomorrow.

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