Rep. Swanger recently introduced House Bill 365 and Sen. Boscola introduced SB 164, in addition to Sen. Vogel's similar legislation SB 1006. This legislation would criminalize the possession of the herb Salvia divinorum, and its chemical constituents, Salvinorin A and Salvinorin B. Salvia divinorum has been used by some groups of Quakers to help with religious meditation. The Mazatecs have used Salvia as a religious sacrament since ancient times. Other religious groups also utilize Salvia as a religious sacrament. Research shows it is extremelly non-toxic and non-addictive.

In addition to its use as a religious sacrament, the Salvinorins A & B are used in medical research. New drugs have been synthesized from these natural chemicals, one such drug is named herkinorin. Preliminary evidence suggests herkinorin may act as a pain killer that does not cause the development of tolerance or addiction to it. This bill would cause cutting edge pharmaceutical research and manufacturing to be done outside of the Commonwealth.

Our right to pursue happiness and to practice religion in a peaceful way is guarentteed by the Constitution of Pennsylvania, and the US Constitution. Please sign this petition asking the Pennsylvania General Assembly to NOT pass HB 365 and SB 164.