Senate votes to criminalize hallucinogenic herb salvia
The Minnesota Senate has given preliminary approval to a bill that would criminalize a little-known herb.
The bill from Republican Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen of Alexandria would punish possession or sale of salvia divinorum with up to a year in jail, fines of up to $3,000 or both.
Salvia divinorum is a psychedelic herb smoked to give users a high or hallucinations. Ingebrigtsen said use is growing and could become a major problem in Minnesota.
The bill passed on a voice vote.
The Senate also approved legislation to give bong smokers a slight break - authorities couldn't count the weight of bong water when determining how much of a drug they possess.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.