Legislature(2005 - 2006)BUTROVICH 205
04/22/2006 09:30 AM Senate JUDICIARY
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB313 | |
| SB48 | |
| HB446 | |
| SB316 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 316 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 313 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 48 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 446 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SB 313-SALVIA DIVINORUM AS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
9:44:48 AM
CHAIR RALPH SEEKINS announced SB 313 to be up for consideration.
SENATOR GENE THERRIAULT asked Dave Stancliff to introduce SB
313.
DAVE STANCLIFF, Staff to Senator Therriault, introduced the
bill. Salvia divinorum is a very powerful substance used
primarily by the Mazatec Indians for the purpose of obtaining
spiritual visions. It is the most potent hallucinogenic material
known to man and due to a proliferation of Internet sales, this
substance is now being sold in stores in Alaska. Purveyors of
the substance give grave warnings about its use. The sponsor has
several letters of support for the bill from varying
departments, including the Department of Health and Social
Services.
9:47:44 AM
Studies have shown that people predisposed to depression or
schizophrenia can be tipped further in that direction after
using Salvia. There are long-term effects such as flashbacks.
After consumption of the substance the high can last for hours
and the effects can last for days. Salvia divinorum is enjoying
a rise in use due to the lack of restrictions on the substance.
Alaska should stay ahead of the game and add this to the list of
Schedule II illegal drugs.
9:50:24 AM
SENATOR GRETCHEN GUESS asked whether someone who needed it would
be able to still get the drug if the bill were to pass.
MR. STANCLIFF stated yes with permission from a doctor. It would
also be able to be legally used for scientific study.
SENATOR THERRIAULT moved version G as the working document
before the committee. Hearing no objections, the motion carried.
SENATOR HOLLIS FRENCH asked the penalty for possession of
Schedule II drugs.
MR. STANCLIFF said it depends on whether the possession is near
a school ground or other different considerations. The committee
should know is that it can't be grown from seeds. It is
primarily grown in Mexico, California and Hawaii.
SENATOR FRENCH asked what the penalty would be for buying Salvia
divinorum.
MR. STANCLIFF said it would be the same as it is for LSD or
cocaine, which is a class C felony.
9:53:14 AM
CHAIR SEEKINS called for public testimony.
JACK DEGANSTEIN, Anchorage, testified in opposition to the bill.
He asserted that Salvia divinorum was not a dangerous drug. He
contended that the substance was not a problem and said it is
primarily used in a responsible manner. He said the facts have
been distorted and he has never seen evidence that it causes
depression. The effects are more in the manner of providing hope
and enlightenment, he stated.
9:57:27 AM
CHAIR SEEKINS asked Mr. Deganstein whether it was safe to
operate a car while using the drug.
MR. DEGENSTEIN reported it would be impossible to operate
equipment.
CHRIS BEHEIM, Supervisor, Alaska State Crime Lab, offered to
answer questions. He said he has been working on obtaining a
sample of the ingredient so that he can do a chemical analysis
of the substance.
CHAIR SEEKINS closed public testimony.
SENATOR THERRIAULT noted drug dealers do currently not sell
Salvia divinorum because it is readily available to purchase. He
said the committee should add the drug to the list of Schedule
II drugs.
10:03:15 AM
SENATOR CHARLIE HUGGINS expressed support for the bill. He moved
CSSB 313(JUD) from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal notes. Hearing no objection, the motion carried.
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