14 News, The Tri-State's News and Weather Leader-Legal high: Salvia banned in Illinois

Legal high: Salvia banned in Illinois

Reporter: Marianne Lyles
New Media Producer: Nick Storm

In Indiana salvia divinorum is a legal substance, but cross the state line into Illinois and it will be a banned substance starting January 1st.

White County Sheriff Doug Maier is proud that Illinois has joined a list of states which have banned salvia divinorum, a green leafy substance which users say causes an intense high.

Sheriff Doug Maier says, "I think it's great. Based on how it affects people I think it's something that needs to be controlled."

White County officials plan to stop salvia as they would meth, but it doesn't help that the soon-to-be controlled substance is legal in Indiana and Kentucky.

Some adults can't believe it's that easy to get their hands on it. Kathy Stewart, grand parent, says, "Well like my grand daughter is right here. I'd be very upset if they were allowed to have access to it."

Mike Caitlin, parent, says, "They would have to come up with a law to keep it going from state to state or whatever to need to ban it from all 50 states. "

Sheriff Maier says it doesn't matter that it's legal elsewhere. Maier says, "It's an offense to possess it period. They can have a receipt that they purchased it. It'll make no difference. They will be charged with a criminal offense in White County."

It's not just any criminal offense having salvia in Illinois, the penalty will be a felony, just like a suspect in possession of heroin.

In November after 14 News first reported salvia's effects, Indiana representative Dennis Avery said he would research the substance to possibly take action against it.