Casorio Moves to Ban Hallucinogen

State Representative Jim Casorio of Westmoreland County has introduced legislation that would ban the possession, consumption or sale of salvia divinorum, a hallucinogenic plant.

Casorio says while the federal government does not designate salvia as an illegal drug, a dozen states have already passed laws regulating the plant. Casorio says the hallucinogen has the potential to become a “designer drug” – a fad among young drug users.

Casorio says possession of salvia as a Schedule One drug would bring some harsh punishments – up to 5 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Casorio says the plant, which he describes as having effects similar to LSD, is widely available on the internet.