California lawmaker lobbies for salvia ban

By Staff Writer

Millions of kids across the U.S. have viewed the much-publicized video footage of pop star Miley Cyrus allegedly smoking salvia, a mind-altering herb that is legal in California.

According to the New York Daily News, the popularity of the video has prompted government officials to call for legislation that would ban the substance in California. Assemblyman Anthony Adams said that Cyrus' status as a teen icon will lead to many young kids attempting to emulate her behavior. Three years ago, Adams attempted to have salvia, a hallucinogenic plant that produces effects that are similar to LSD and marijuana, outlawed.

During the video, Cyrus says that she is experiencing a "really bad trip," and she giggles throughout most of the video. Parents and policymakers are concerned that the viral video will prompt other children to experiment with salvia or other hallucinogenic substances. In California, salvia is legal for adults to smoke. Cyrus recently turned 18 years old.

More than 10 states have passed laws that prohibit residents from possessing or using salvia, while several others are considering a ban.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy reports that mental health problems, including depression, developmental lags, apathy, withdrawal and other psychosocial dysfunctions, are frequently linked to substance abuse among teenagers.