Effective August 1, 2010 and applies to crimes committed on and after that date.

Creates crimes pertaining to the sale of or possession of salvia divinorum:
· Gross misdemeanor for the sale of any amount of salvia divinorum or salvinorin A; and
· Misdemeanor for the possession of any amount of salvia divinorum or salvinorin A.

Salvia divinorum is an herb used by the Mazatec Indians for its ritual divination and healing. According to the D.E.A. “Salvinorin A and Salvia divinorum products are abused for their ability to evoke hallucinogenic effects, which, in general, are similar to those of other scheduled hallucinogenic substances.” A link to additional information: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugs_concern/salvia_d/salvia_d.htm

NOTE: It’s not clear what constitutes lawful possession, but I assume (and hope) that cultures that use this in ritual would be exempt.

Please remember that the interpretation and analysis presented here is not intended to be legal advice.  If you are seeking legal advice please contact us for a free consultation and actual examination the issues that your case may present.

Thank you,
Landon J. Ascheman, Esq.
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CHAPTER 368–S.F.No. 2773
An actrelating to public safety; establishing a sale of or possession of salvia
divinorum crime; providing for a penalty;amending Minnesota Statutes 2008,
section 152.027, by adding a subdivision.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 152.027, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:
Subd. 5. Sale or possession of salvia divinorum. (a) A person who unlawfully
sells any amount of salvia divinorum or salvinorin A is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(b) A person who unlawfully possesses any amount of salvia divinorum or salvinorin
A is guilty of a misdemeanor.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective August 1, 2010, and applies to crimes
committed on or after that date.
Presented to the governor May 14, 2010
Signed by the governor May 18, 2010, 3:18 p.m.