Request For The Regulation Of Salvia Divinorum

The people of The United States Of America are aware that you are presently studying "salvia divinorum" and "salvinorin A," and deciding whether or not the herb or it's extracts present a risk to public safety, which would justify making them controlled substances.

We are also reasonably concerned about safety, especially for that of our children, and therefore request that salvia divinorum be strictly regulated.
However, because prohibition infringes upon the religious rights of many Americans, we strongly oppose criminalization for possession.

We ask that you consider the personal freedom of adults who choose to use this non-toxic herb responsibly. As U.S. citizens, we feel that the proposed federal law banning possession of this substance would be in clear violation of our first amendment rights to practice religion freely. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

For centuries, the plant salvia divinorum, also known as "The Diviners Sage," has been safely incorporated in the religious ceremonies and practice of Shamanism. Today, many individuals as well as nature-based religions including Wicca have members who swear by it's meditative and spiritual benefits. Even scientists around the world are contemplating salvia's positive anti-depressive effects on the human brain. There is no definitive evidence that salvia divinornum exhibits a potential for abuse or public health risk. It is unlike any psychoactive drug currently known, such as marijuana or LSD.

We believe that the DEA should arrive to a fair decision on this issue, keeping in mind the interests of law-abiding members of the public who wish salvia divinorum to remain a legal and divine option.

Sincerely,
Mr. Michael Forest