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...

I do intend to revise the letter that I wrote to the California Assembly
members. The new version will be sent to the appropriate DEA official, once
I find out who that is. I will also post it on my website. Feel free to
quote anything you like from these documents.

Regarding the University of Iowa researchers, I was referring to Dr. Thomas
Prisinzano's group.

March   19,   2007
RE: Assembly Bill 259
URGENT   (Committee   on   Public   Safety   hearing   scheduled   for   March   27,   2007)

Dear   Honorable   Assembly   Member:

This   letter   summarizes   the   important   medicinal   properties   of   Salvia divinorum   and   its   primary   active   
constituent   salvinorin   A.   It   also   puts   forth   several   objections   to   Assembly   Bill   259,   which   inappropriately   
seeks   to   make   this   medicinal   herb   a   Schedule   I   controlled   substance.
As a pharmacognosist who has devoted the last 15 years to the scientific study of this herb, I believe
that I am particularly qualified to speak on this issue. I was the first person to investigate the human
pharmacology   of   salvinorin   A   and   to   clearly   identify   this   compound   as   the   psychoactive   principle   of   
Salvia divinorum. My findings have been published in several peer-reviewed scientific journals. These
include   a   paper   that   was   published   in   Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS),   in   
which my research group identified the neurological mechanism of salvinorin A’s action. That finding is
of particular significance because it provides solid evidence for the medicinal value of this compound.
I   am   currently   working   in   collaboration   with   several   other   scientists   to   further   investigate   the   medicinal   
potential   of   salvinorin   A   and   closely   related   compounds.   My   collaborators   include   Dr.   Bryan   Roth   
(Project   Director   of   the   National   Institute   for   Mental   Health   Psychoactive   Drug   Screening   Program),   
Dr.   Thomas   Munro   (pharmaceutical   chemist   at   McLean   Hospital   Psychiatric   Research   Center,   MA),   
Dr Lee-Yuan Liu-Chen (professor of pharmacology at Temple University School of Medicine), and Dr.
Jordan   Zjawiony   (Pharmacognosy   and   Research   Professor   in   the   Research   Institute   of   Pharmaceutical   
Sciences,   University   of   Mississippi).   In   addition   to   these   endeavors,   I   am   presently   completing   work   on   a   
comprehensive   academically   oriented   book   about   Salvia divinorum.


Medicinal properties

There   are   approximately   one   thousand   species   of   Salvia worldwide.   Salvia divinorum   is   just   one   of   the   
many   species   that   are   recognized   for   their   useful   medicinal   properties.   The   common   name   for   salvia   is   
sage.   Most   people   are   familiar   with   the   common   culinary   sage,   Salvia officinalis,   which   in   addition   to   its   
usefulness as a flavoring agent, is also used for its medicinal properties. The   genus   name   Salvia   is   derived   
from   the   Latin   salvare,   meaning   “to   heal”   or   “to   save.”   The   words   salvation   and   savior also   come   from   
this   same   root.


Salvia divinorum   is   endemic   to   the   Mazatec   region   of   central   Mexico,   where   it   has   a   long   history   
of   medicinal   use.   The   Mazatec   people   use   this   herb   for   its   psychoactive   properties   and   as   an   effective   
treatment   for   arthritis,   headache,   and   eliminatory   complaints.   The   validity   of   each   of   these   different   
applications is well supported by recent pharmacological findings.


Salvinorin A is a uniquely potent and highly selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist, and as such,
it   has   tremendous   potential   for   the   development   of   a   wide   variety   of   valuable   medications.   The   most   
promising of these include safe non-addictive analgesics, antidepressants, short-acting anesthetics that do not   depress   respiration,   and   drugs   to   treat   disorders   characterized   by   alterations   in   perception,   including   
schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and bipolar disorder.


Kappa-opioid receptor agonists are of particular interest to pharmacologists because they provide
effective   pain   medications   that   are   not   habit   forming   and   do   not   produce   dependence.   In   fact,   there   is   a   
growing body of evidence that indicates that kappa-opioid agonists are actually “aversive”—the opposite
of   addictive.   This   is   an   important   advantage   over   most   powerful   analgesics   currently   prescribed.   The   
effectiveness   of   salvinorin   A   as   an   analgesic   has   been   repeatedly   demonstrated   in   animal   studies.   In   my   
book   I   include   many   case   reports   in   which   people   testify   to   the   effectiveness   of   this   herb   for   managing   
pain.   The   traditional   Mazatec   use   of   Salvia divinorum   to   treat   headaches   and   arthritis   also   attests   to   its   
effectiveness   as   an   analgesic.
The   ability   of   salvinorin   A   to   block   perception   of   pain   also   suggests   that   it   may   prove   useful   as   a   
short-acting general anesthetic. The fact that it does not depress respiration is particularly interesting
because   it   indicates   that   salvinorin   A   could   be   much   safer   than   most   general   anesthetics   currently   in   use.


Several   years   ago   Dr.   Karl   Hanes   published   a   case   report   in   the   Journal of Clinical
Psychopharmacology,   in   which   he   described   a   patient   that   obtained   relief   from   chronic   depression   
by   using   Salvia divinorum.   Subsequently   he   published   a   paper   in   the   journal   MAPS,   reporting   that   he   
obtained   similarly   positive   results   when   he   prescribed   the   herb   to   other   patients   who   suffered   from   
clinical   depression.   In   my   book   I   describe   dozens   of   additional   accounts   of   people   who   have   recovered   
from   serious   depression   with   the   help   of   this   herb.   It   is   especially   interesting   that   these   people   were   able   
to   obtain   persistent   relief   from   their   depression   after   only   a   few   treatments.   Quite   unlike   the   continuous   
medication   regime   required   with   conventional   antidepressants   such   as   Prozac,   which   in   most   cases   
only   offer   symptomatic   relief   from   depression,   Salvia divinorum often produces long-lasting clinical
improvement.


Because salvinorin A alters various perceptual modalities by acting on kappa-opioid receptors, it is
clear   that   these   receptors   play   a   prominent   role   in   the   modulation   of   human   perception.   This   suggests   the   
possibility   that   novel   psychotherapeutic   compounds   derived   from   salvinorin   A   could   be   useful   for   treating   
diseases   manifested   by   perceptual   distortions   (e.g.,   schizophrenia,   dementia,   and   bipolar   disorder).   This   is   
a   promising   area   of   research   that   is   important   to   pursue   further.
Salvia divinorum   has   several   properties   that   make   it   useful   in   psychotherapy:   It   produces   a   state   of   
profound self-reflection, it improves one’s ability to retrieve childhood memories, and it provides access
to areas of the psyche that are ordinarily difficult to reach. I have spoken with several psychotherapists
who   have   used   this   herb   in   their   practice.   They   are   impressed   with   its   effectiveness   as   a   psychotherapeutic   
tool. This type of application is not new—the Mazatecs have long used Salvia divinorum   to   treat   
psychological   complaints.


Salvinorin A is also an important neurochemical probe for studying the dynorphin/kappa-opioid-
receptor   system.   As   such,   it   is   useful   for   research   into   the   neurological   mechanisms   of   perception   and   
awareness.   Salvinorin   A   is   remarkable   in   that   it   belongs   to   an   entirely   different   chemical   class   than   
any previously identified opioid receptor ligand (it is a diterpenoid). This fact is of great interest to
pharmacologists   because   it   opens   up   a   vast   new   area   for   future   drug   development.


No potential for long-term abuse

There   are   many   popular   misconceptions   about   Salvia divinorum.   Presumably,   Assembly   Bill   259   is   based   
on   some   these.   Many   of   these   misconceptions   have   their   origin   in   sensationalistic   stories   presented   by   
misinformed   journalists,   and   others   derive   from   the   absurd   advertising   claims   of   unethical   herb   vendors   
who   market   this   herb   as   a   “legal   high”   and   deliberately   exaggerate   its   effects   to   increase   sales.


The   fact   is   that   the   effects   of   Salvia divinorum   are   not   appealing   to   recreational   drug   users.   The   
majority of people who try it find that they do not enjoy its effects and do not continue using it. It
does   produce   an   altered   state   of   awareness,   but   does   not   produce   a   “high”   (i.e.,   it   is   not   euphoric   or   
stimulating).   Salvia divinorum produces a state of increased self-awareness. For this reason, some people
use it as an aid to meditation, contemplation, and spiritual reflection. There are people who are intrigued
by salvia’s effects, but even these people use it infrequently. Because it increases self-awareness, it is
useless   as   an   escapist   drug.   When   used   in   a   careless   manner,   it   tends   to   produce   unpleasant   experiences,   
and that of course discourages further use (i.e., abuse is self-limiting).  

Salvia divinorum   is   not   addictive   or   habit   forming.   This   has   been   demonstrated   in   several   animal    studies. Its mechanism of action indicates that it may actually be anti-addictive. Many people have
reported   that   Salvia divinorum   actually   helped   them   to   overcome   previous   substance   abuse   problems.   


With   funding   from   the   National   Institute   on   Drug   Abuse   (NIDA),   researchers   at   the   University   of   Iowa   
are   now   studying   salvinorin   A   and   attempting   to   develop   derivatives   that   could   be   useful   for   treating   
methamphetamine   and   cocaine   dependence.


Safety

Salvia divinorum is non-toxic. Toxicological studies have been performed by Dr. Leander Valdés at the
University of Michigan, Jeremy Stewart at the University of Mississippi, Dr. Frank Jaksch of Chromadex
Inc.,   and   Dr.   Wayne   Briner   at   the   University   of   Nebraska.   Neither   Salvia divinorum   nor   salvinorin   A   
showed   toxicity   in   any   of   these   studies.   There   is   a   vast   body   of   empirical   evidence   that   indicates   Salvia
divinorum   is   a   remarkably   safe   herb.   Indeed,   the   Mazatecs,   who   have   probably   used   S. divinorum   for   
hundreds   of   years,   do   not   attribute   any   toxic   properties   to   this   plant.


Conclusions


Salvia divinorum is an important medicinal herb that has no potential for long-term abuse. It does not
present a significant risk to public health or safety. Obviously, there is a problem with young people
using   this   herb   (especially   when   they   use   it   carelessly).   There   is   a   sensible   way   to   deal   with   that   problem:   
regulation   that   prohibits   sale   or   delivery   to   minors.   This   is   a   useful   medicinal   herb   that   enriches   the   lives   
of   many   responsible   adults.   Since   it   is   by   all   accounts   a   remarkably   safe   herb   (when   used   responsibly),   
it   would   be   overly   restrictive   to   make   it   illegal   for   all   citizens.   Placing   it   in   Schedule   I   would   deprive   
people   of   a   safe   and   useful   medicinal   herb,   and   it   would   seriously   hamper   promising   medical   research.   
Because   of   its   complex   stereochemistry,   salvinorin   A   is   virtually   impossible   to   produce   synthetically.   It   
is   important   that   its   source   plant,   Salvia divinorum,   remain   available   so   that   researchers   can   continue   to   
study   this   important   compound.


Evidently,   this   bill   is   based   on   inaccurate   information   about   Salvia divinorum.   Schedule   I   is   intended   
for   substances   that   have   a   high   potential   for   abuse,   a   lack   of   accepted   safety,   and   no   currently   accepted   
medical   use.   Salvia divinorum   does   not   meet   any   of   these   criteria.
I   appreciate   your   taking   the   time   to   read   this   letter   and   acquaint   yourself   with   the   facts   about   Salvia
divinorum.   Please   feel   free   to   contact   me   if   I   can   provide   you   with   any   additional   information.


Sincerely,
Daniel   J.   Siebert

Yeah I remember reading this letter and being blown away by it. After reading it I wasn't as concerned with CA (I sadly couldn't make the drive that day). I expect his letter to the DEA to be even more powerful; however, hopefully he won't even need to send it when they get the same results he concluded :)

Dominaduro

Thats so awesome they are doing that research, there seems to be a lot more being done now.

Btw, I am starting my research with Salvia this monday. I got a position at the brand new BIO5 lab at the University of Arizona. I will be investigating the chemical pathways that are used by the plant to synthesize Salvinorin-A. If that goes through well over the year I will likely expand my research further. One idea is to look more deeply at other potentially psychoactive chemicals such as Salvinorin-B as very little is known about these.

Its really exciting, we are going to collaborate and exchange ideas with another university in Mississippi that is also researching Salvia.

I will soon post pictures (hopefully) of my lab and keep you guys updated.

Are both of you "Sagewise" members also? As far as I know he never made that letter, or the link to it, public .... when did you 2 Salvia Source members first read this letter? Could you point me to where else on the net the link to that letter is (besides here)?

As far as I know it is a Salvia Source EXCLUSIVE! But one of you read it before - and the other used it as a template ... well, I feel just silly about announcing it publicly 'for the first time' now ...

There is a team of Doctors at the University of Iowa, under Dr. Thomas Prisinzano, with funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), that are now studying salvinorin A and attempting to develop derivatives that could be useful for treating methamphetamine and cocaine dependence.

If we all knew about this: then why aren't we screaming this from the rooftops? This is IMPORTANT!

"The war on drugs can be won with the help of SALVIA DIVINORUM - If you legislators aren't stupid enough to ban it based solely on what the TV set SAYS first!!!"

Retards! Shoot themselves in the FOOT! Illinois just banned it because they claimed it's addictive!

I think when it comes to drugs, in general the news is conservative on these particular issues (for now). Although it also may just be the nature of news that attracts viewers. I mean I think Salvia is demonized for the same reason we see some much coverage on crazy lunatic killers and insane diseases while the 'positive' stories get a little snippet here and there. In the case of Salvia its more intriguing for typical viewers if they talk about some kid who killed himself instead of the potential medicinal benefits of the herb...because those positives are so boring, right? ::) However, I do believe that things are turning around in regard to drugs, its a slow but sure progression.

Right now I don't think that the news is overwhelmingly conservative overall, but also not overwhelmingly liberal either. These days theres so many sources to get news with such a variety of opinions that it's unfair generalize.

AB 259     http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/postquery?bill_number=ab_259&sess=CUR&house=B&search_type=email
STATUS http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0251-0300/ab_259_bill_20071217_status.html    

   CURRENT BILL STATUS


MEASURE   :  A.B. No. 259
AUTHOR(S)   :  Adams.
TOPIC   :  Controlled substances: Schedule I.
HOUSE LOCATION   :  ASM
+LAST AMENDED DATE  :  03/12/2007


TYPE OF BILL : 
                Active
                Non-Urgency
                Non-Appropriations
                Majority Vote Required
                State-Mandated Local Program
                Fiscal
                Non-Tax Levy

LAST HIST. ACT. DATE:  03/27/2007
LAST HIST. ACTION   :  In committee:  Set first hearing.  Failed passage.
   Reconsideration granted.
COMM. LOCATION   :  ASM PUBLIC SAFETY
HEARING DATE   :  01/15/2008

TITLE   :  An act to amend Section 11054 of the Health and Safety
   Code, relating to controlled substances.

http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/members/a59/index.aspx?page=OPED&oped=1778
California Must Outlaw Salvia To Protect Our Kids

Drug abuse is a growing problem throughout California. It’s a silent tragedy that often tears families apart, threatens safety in our neighborhoods and exposes our kids to some serious health problems before they even have a chance to succeed in life.

Parents, teachers and local law enforcement are working together not only to shut down production of dangerous drugs and punish the drug pushers who are trying to hurt our children, but more importantly, to keep these harmful drugs out of our schools and away from our kids in the first place.

Recently, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department shared with me a disturbing trend among young people in our local schools. More and more high school students in our area and in suburbs across the nation are abusing the dangerous drug Salvia or Salvia Divinorum, a drug that is rising in popularity amongst high school and college students for its highly-potent hallucinogenic effects.

Salvia is a naturally grown, mint-like leaf which many users have equated to that experienced when using the mind-altering drug LSD. Individuals who have felt a Salvia high say that they thought they were having an out-of-body experience when abusing the drug. Other side effects include uncontrollable laughter, appearing to travel to other times and other places, a feeling of total confusion or near-madness and a sense that you are flying or floating.

Like me, you may be surprised to learn that Salvia is completely legal in California and many other states. I believe we should listen to the concerns of parents and law enforcement, and not sit idly by while a dangerous and powerful drug is being sold and distributed freely and legally in our communities.

Working closely with the San Bernardino County Sheriff, I have introduced legislation, Assembly Bill 259, to outlaw Salvia in California, adding the drug to the list of narcotics that are illegal in this state. Under my proposal, those who are found growing, selling or possessing Salvia would be guilty of a misdemeanor or a felony, depending upon the severity of the case, and subject to time in county jail or state prison for their offense.

Keeping our communities safe from the scourge of drugs and violent crime should not be a partisan issue. In recent years, our local Democrat Congressman Joe Baca has been fighting hard in Washington to ban Salvia nationwide, and I’m pleased to carry the bipartisan torch to outlaw Salvia at the state level in Sacramento.

Unfortunately, Democrats on the Assembly Public Safety Committee have a different agenda, and refused to support my legislation when it came up for its first hearing. There shouldn’t be a partisan debate when it comes to protecting our families from dangerous drugs.
As Californians, we must stand united against drug abuse by making Salvia illegal. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to address this growing problem to protect our families, our kids and our communities.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION  :   

           Support
           
          San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (Sponsor)
          California Peace Officers' Association
          California Police Chiefs Association
          California State Sheriffs' Association
          Peace Officer Research Association of California
          Sacramento County Sheriff's Department
          Wonderland Treatment Center

           Opposition
           
          California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
          Drug Policy Alliance Network
          Seven private individuals
           

          Analysis Prepared by  :    Gregory Pagan / PUB. S.