Meet -- or Don't Meet -- Salvia

This hallucinogenic is in need of federal scrutiny.

ACCORDING TO a recent report in the New York Times, roughly 1.8 million people have used salvia in their lifetimes; as many as 750,000 people reported trying the substance in the previous year. Never heard of the drug? It's a member of the mint family known to be a powerful hallucinogenic. In the past, it was primarily used in spiritual ceremonies by Mexicans. In recent years, its recreational use in the United States, particularly among 18- to 25-year-old males, has skyrocketed.

Although 13 states have prohibited or otherwise regulated salvia, the herb is not banned under federal law and is sold legally online and in specialty shops that carry drug paraphernalia and other products. Given the rapid rise in its use, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Food and Drug Administration should conduct a formal review to determine whether access to it should be restricted or banned.

Some academics believe that salvia could be useful in treating depression and controlling pain, but there's little scientific evidence about the drug's effects on the body in the short or long terms. A formal evaluation by the DEA and FDA would help fill in the gaps. Any legitimate medical use would be permitted even if its use was restricted for the public at large.

Not all substances that can cause harm should be banned. After all, many common products -- from aerosol sprays to over-the-counter medicines -- are all too often misused by those seeking a cheap high, sometimes with devastating results. But the federal agencies should consider the 5,000 or so salvia videos posted on YouTube, many appearing to show disturbing effects, as a spur to take this substance seriously.