AUGUSTA – If Gorham Democratic Rep. Chris Barstow has his way, salvia – a plant that can mimic the effects of LSD when chewed or smoked – will be outlawed in Maine.

Barstow submitted legislation Nov. 24 that would ban the use, sale and possession of Salvinorin A.

A story on WGME-TV, which also appeared in the Sun Journal on Tuesday, discussed the dangers of the plant, which is easily and legally available at shops around the state, including Paris Adult Books in Lewiston.

While Barstow said he wasn’t aware of specific cases of people being harmed by the drug, the potential for catastrophe is there.

“The early tests suggest salvia could be more dangerous than marijuana and far worse than alcohol or tobacco,” Barstow said. “We’re looking ahead to protect the health of Maine citizens.”

The biggest danger, Barstow said, is the risk that users can lose control, which could put other people into harm’s way.

“I am concerned that people who choose to use salvia for recreation will end up hurting themselves or others,” said Barstow. “There has been very little research and study of this substance, but the preliminary reports paint a dark picture.”

“People need to be aware of how harsh a substance this can be,” Barstow said.

Salvia is an herb that is native to the Oaxaca region of Mexico. Traditionally, it has been used by the local Mazatec people in certain rituals, according to Barstow’s office.

The plant is not currently classified as a controlled substance by the federal government. But, it is reported, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency is debating whether or not to change its status.

Several states have moved to limit access to the plant, including Louisiana, Delaware, Missouri and Tennessee.

It is a controlled substance in Finland, Denmark, Australia and Italy, according to Barstow.

As proposed, the bill would only limit the use, sale or possession of salvia for consumption. It would not affect garden varieties of the plant.