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Man cited for selling Salvia to appear in court

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By The Associated Press

Thursday, Jun 26, 2008 - 07:57:53 pm CDT



A Lincoln store owner is trying to convince judges he has the right to sell the hallucinogenic plant Salvia divinorum.

Christian Firoz will be in court in Lincoln on Friday. Lincoln police cited him in March for selling the plant at his store, Exotica. It’s a hallucinogen that is generally smoked but can also be chewed or made into a tea and drunk.

Story Photo
Christian Firoz (LJS File)

So far, it’s not illegal to possess the plant in Nebraska. But authorities say Firoz violated a state statute that prohibits the sale of substances that will be used to induce intoxication.

Firoz’s lawyer says the statute is too vague and can’t be fairly interpreted.

Firoz says salvia is an herbal meditation supplement and that everyone has a right to have it.


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whatever wrote on June 26, 2008 9:16 pm:
" Sounds a lot like beer. When was the last time someone had a beer that wasn't looking for "...substances that will be used to induce intoxication." What a complete waste of taxpayer resources. Proof again that LPD is afraid to go after the big time "drug dealers". One wonders why? "

smush wrote on June 26, 2008 10:28 pm:
" Salvia Divinorum is a contemplogen. i.e. it facilitates contemplation, and is used as a sacrament in some indigenous groups. Many religious groups make use of some form of intoxicant whether it's the peyote of the native americans or the wine of the christians (remember that Paul in the New Testament had to defend one of his church groups against the accusation that they were just a bunch of drunks--meaning they probably used lots of wine).

Salvia does not lend itself to "partying" or abuse. It's not for "fun". Rather it can be used as a serious aid in meditation.

There are some interesting websites exploring the theory that most world religions have their origins in people's use of natural psychedelics (not the dangerous synthetic ones like heroin or cocaine). Anyone using the natural substances will get a glimpse into their sacramental character. Naturally, the powers that be prefer that people get their spiritual experiences from institutionalized churches. But they just use placebos like bread and a little bit of wine. "

Michelle wrote on June 26, 2008 11:22 pm:
" As usual the government is trying to suppress more and more rights. Beer, cigarettes and thousands of regular flower bed plants "induce intoxication".They need to focus on REAL drugs like CRACK that is running rampant in our population.They have to try to outlaw more and more natural herbs. Where will it stop? Many herbs can get you stoned. If someone is looking for a high-THEY WILL FIND IT!! Glue, paint thinner, the list gos on and on. This is wasting my hard earned tax money!! Sounds like they are picking on this guy to me.Didnt they just "bust" that store for "illegal paraphernalia "

BigMikey wrote on June 27, 2008 7:57 am:
" Call it what you may, this stuff can get you higher than a kite. Teenagers are smoking it, chewing it, and even making it into tea. I'm not wanting to argue it's legality, I just want to make sure people are fully aware that this is a psychedelic drug in every sense of the word. Check out this link to educate yourself on the subject:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_divinorum "

Jean wrote on June 27, 2008 11:05 am:
" I planted some salvia plants in my yard. Do I need to be worried about them? "