Outcry over Australian plan to ban hallucinogenic plants

AUSTRALIA'S national floral emblem, the iconic wattle, could be banned for its hallucinogenic properties if a proposed schedule of controlled plants currently before the Attorney-General is approved.

The discussion paper, which also targets common ornamental garden plants like datura (angel’s trumpet), various succulents and other plants like Diviners Sage, Kratom and Khat, has ecologists and plant enthusiasts up in arms.

What began as a legitimate attempt to shut down the drug trade’s access to illicit drug precursors in 2008 by then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, has been extended to more obscure drugs like DMT and mescaline -- hallucinogens which hold little prominence in the drug trade and are predominantly extracted from wattle bark and cacti, respectively.

Responding to questions from The Northern Star yesterday, the Acting Minister for Home Affairs and Justice, Robert McClelland, moved to quell fears of a ban.

A spokeswoman for the Minister said claims that backyard plants would be banned or their growers prosecuted were ‘ridiculous’.

[Thanks Jake!]