Former salvia user speaks out

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Joey calls himself an avid marijuana user, that's why he asked News 10 to hide his identity.

However, Joey's more concerned about a legal drug, salvia, a marijuana alternative.

"I figured how bad could it be, it's legal you know so it couldn't be any worse than the illegal substance I'd already been doing," Joey said. That's why Joey decided to try it.

The first time he said he felt nothing, then he tried a stronger, more potent version of salvia.

"The minute I exhaled it was the worst feeling I'd ever felt in my entire life," Joey said. "I felt like I was going to die, everything was stopping, my heart was slowing down."

In a few minutes the trip was over and so was Joey's desire to use salvia.

Now, he believes it should be banned everywhere.

"I don't understand how that can be legal and marijuana can be illegal, that's a much more dangerous substance," Joey said.

Joey said he regrets trying salvia but has a message for anyone else considering it.

"It's just something you need to stay away from."

Joey said the salvia trip is one he'll never forget and never do again.

Many websites of salvia supporters claim the herb can be used for medicinal purposes, calling it a visionary herb not a recreational drug.