Bruce May, director of the Greene County Agencies for Combined Enforcement, said his peers across the state have had to deal with the substance being bought or sold.
“Salvia has been present in many of the locations,” said May. “The head shops that are out there sell salvia legally, or have sold it legally up until April 1.”
News Center 7 contacted some businesses in the Miami Valley and learned that some sold salvia prior to the April 1 ban.
Salvia is a leafy plant that is native to Mexico.
The substances short term effects include uncontrollable laughter, increased insight and feelings of calmness. It’s not clear what the substances long-term effects are.
“Now that it is proliferated since the people are buying and using it, and it also is causing a problem because it alters your well-being that you cannot perform your normal physical functions,” May said.
Anyone caught buying, selling or using salvia will be charged with a felony as of April 1.
About the Author