SALEM, Ore. (AP)— Some young people are turning on, tuning in and dropping out for quick highs on a hallucinogenic drug that is legal and sold openly at novelty stores, smoke shops and adult video stores.

But some state lawmakers say the substance -- salvia divinorum -- is dangerous and have proposed a bill to ban possessing or selling it. ...experts say use is on the rise in the U.S., driven largely by Internet sales and word of mouth.

"From what I understand this drug is at least as dangerous as marijuana or LSD," said Rep. John Lim, R-Gresham, who is sponsoring a bill that would make the plant a Schedule I controlled substance in Oregon, on par with ecstasy or synthetic heroin. "This drug is not a widely used product, but it is becoming problematic."

The drug's Latin name, salvia divinorum, means "sage of the seers." Users call it Purple Sticky Salvia, Maria Pastora or Sally D.

"It is basically appealing to young kids because it is not illegal to possess in the state of Oregon," said Tim Plummer, a coordinator for Oregon's drug evaluation and classification program.

One Portland retailer is selling a half-gram package, said to be good for five "experiences," for $15.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has listed it and its active constituent, salvinorin A, as "drugs and chemicals of concern." The agency is still investigating patterns of abuse and potential risks for the public.

"It's not something that is done lightly," said Rogene Waite, a spokeswoman for the DEA.

Louisiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Delaware ban possession, but it is legal under federal law.

At least nine other states are considering bans, including Alaska, California, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota and Utah. The plant is controlled in Finland, Denmark, Australia and Italy.

Experts and users say the effects can last up to an hour.

"It has been out for a long, long time and it's just getting popular," said Jeremy Croft, a salesman at the Silver Spoon. "Maybe all the high school and college kids just found out about it."

...few toxicological studies have been done.

link here to the Seattle Times article