Ask the average Massachusetts resident whether salvia should be illegal, and the answer in most communities will be overwhelming: What is salvia? Though more young people are aware of the cheap, legal hallucinogen usually sold in “water pipe” shops than their elders, other citizens are ignorant of how many young people abuse the plant. Though their alarm is justified, lawmakers should not overreact by criminalizing it – regulation of salvia will better avoid its abuse.

For many years, indigenous shamans from Mexico, among other groups, have used this powerful yet short-lasting hallucinogen as part of traditional healing rituals. The drug has also gained popularity among youth, however, as a cheap, legal and — at least in the short-term — safe recreational drug. The fact that salvia is still legal in most jurisdictions has led lawmakers nationwide — including some in Massachusetts — to call for its criminalization.

Though far too few extensive studies exist detailing the effects of repeated salvia use, it is clear that salvia is unhealthy. The fact that salvia is a reverse tolerant means it leaves the body chemically or psychologically altered long after the brief hallucinations end. Though there is little research suggesting the plant is habit-forming or creates meaningful negative costs for society, it should still never be abused by kids.

Communities should not trivialize salvia abuse, either. Minors, who, unlike those in certain religious groups, tend to abuse the drug without supervision by experienced adults, should not be allowed to buy salvia. Selling salvia to a minor should also be a misdemeanor offense, just as it is with tobacco.

Still, criminalizing a drug that does not create hopeless addicts, drug-related violence or widespread traffic fatalities would likely cost more than it is worth. Arresting and jailing salvia users could burden a national drug enforcement system that is already in crisis. The fact that salvia is not a full-blown epidemic at high schools may also be thanks in part to the fact that it is easily accessible and not as stigmatized as illegal drugs. Grouping the plant with far more harmful drugs like heroin and cocaine could wreak the opposite of its intended effect.