State Senate's Salvia Legislation Mentions Miley Cyrus

That's right, the day has come when Miley Cyrus's decisions are affecting our legal system. Salvia�an herbal drug that, when smoked, can cause intense hallucinations�came into the American mainstream after a video of the pop-star smoking it appeared in December. A few weeks ago, a Roosevelt Island man jumped to his death after smoking it, which pushed Senator John Flanagan to introduce legislation banning the substance. Yesterday, the legislation passed the State Senate.

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The senate notes in a statement that, "This is the same legal substance that pop star Miley Cyrus was allegedly smoking in a widely distributed video clip in December of last year." Flanagan said, �This legislation has passed the Senate four times in the past and it is important that the parents of New York know that their state is standing with them in the fight against drugs. It is time to protect our younger residents from this dangerous substance and impose a ban immediately in New York State before another tragedy occurs." The bill would fine anyone selling salvia in the state $500. However, according to one Daily News reporter, the high isn't even worth it.

Reporter Irving DeJohn decided to see what all the hype was about, and found the drug easily ($54 at Addiction NYC on St. Marks Place!). After a few "harsh" pulls he reportedly found himself giddy and giggling before coming down after ten minutes, an effect easily produced by a few beers at a quarter of the cost. Assemblyman Peter Rivera said he is pushing to have the bill voted on by the end of June, but that they are also considering a bill that would only ban salvia use by minors. Why not, it worked for cigarettes!