So that's Miley Cyrus bong-smoking salvia -- and what is salvia, exactly?

A Miley Cyrus bong-smoking video reportedly showing her smoking salvia sparked up a lot of interest Friday -- and also raised the question, what is salvia? What are salvia's effects?

Literally, it was a question: "What the [gosh darn] is salvia?!," a friend of the Ministry asked. "And I thought I knew all controlled substances."

More properly known as Salvia divinorum, the herb is "an old psychedelic drug with new appeal," The Times' Health team reported in 2008, when the California legislature was deciding who should be able to buy the type of sage.

Currently, the herb is illegal in a number of states, but not regulated federally as a controlled substance. So the friend of the Ministry need not feel so bad.

From Health reporter Shari Roan's article:

Salvia divinorum is an inauspicious-looking member of the mint family and is one of many species of salvia, also known as sage, some of which are common garden plants in hot, dry climates. (Salvia divinorum itself is not a popular garden plant because it is not considered decorative.) Salvia divinorum contains a chemical, salvinorin A, that causes hallucinations. The dried leaves or concentrated extract, which is often sold as incense, are smoked or chewed and produce a high lasting from less than a minute to about a half-hour. Users report distorted senses, an out-of-body feeling and losing control over their body movements.

Some websites promoting salvia warn users to take the drug in the presence of a sober person who can help if a user loses body control or behaves erratically. Numerous users have placed clips on YouTube of themselves or others laughing hysterically or staggering around while high on salvia, such as one YouTube clip that has logged more than 240,000 views.

It's illegal in California to provide salvia divinorum to a minor, but legal for a minor to possess it. 

"Salvia is a drug of concern," a Drug Enforcement Agency spokesman told MTV News. "We are taking steps to look further into it, but for right now, it is not a schedule-one narcotic."

Click here to read about salvia in more detail -- including whether it's addictive, and whether it's like LSD, among other fascinating details.

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Miley Cyrus bong hit 'documented' -- but it was salvia, honest

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Photos: Salvia divinorum plants grown by Daniel Siebert of Malibu in 2001, left; the herb in a dried form, right. Credits: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times, left; Ricardo De Aratanha / Los Angeles Times, right

Comments

[Patricia]

FYI: Pot is far safer than salvia. But the DEA is hooked on marijuana prohibition, even to the point of thwarting science.

[Dancingbear]

it was just a matter of time that Miley will hit the drugs...child stars are always soooo doom for self destruction...thanks Lindsay Loser...look at what you've created for child stars who will eventually end up like you!...sigh!

[ashly]

I feel bad for Miley Cyrus. Mley if your reading this i dont belive that you smoked, your the smartest role moldel celeberiy in the world. I think that the news reporters just wants to make you look bad and get a story because your sooo perfict. your so nice and kind to all you fans and i dissagree with the reporters i watch your show most of the time and i love your songs i wish i can meet you. if you read this i am mad at the reports From: A.D.K cant tell my real name:)

[Jen]

Salvia's an interesting drug. I wonder if it will become a teen trend and I think I read that it doesn't show up in drug tests..

[...:(]

the greatest singers went through the wrong road ..
miley cyrus , britney spears , lindsy lohan .. but why ?
they have a life people dream of and now they ruin it
okay ..miley if ur reading this .. well i have nothing to say ...
i dont want to make u feel bad cause nothing can take u back to the past
and u cant change what u did but i just want u to remember that many children weree so shocked ..
but here is an advice :
move on .. make music .. make evry1 happy.. and ofcourse hang out with the right pple ..i love u so much
but if ur gona change more negatively .. well....i have nothing to ssay