I don't recall anything bad being publicized about Salvia (though I may be wrong), and yet it's currently illegal in more than ten states.
From
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett's_law:
[quote:3p0pygh8]Brett’s Law is a name commonly given to a Delaware statute (SB259) generally prohibiting use of the psychoactive herb Salvia divinorum. The law was named after Brett Chidester (1988–23 January 2006), a teenager who committed suicide. [1]
The law was sponsored by Delaware Senator Karen Peterson, and signed into law three months after the teen’s death. It classifies Salvia divinorum as a Delaware Schedule I controlled substance, analogous to Federal Schedule I, making possession, use or consumption of the drug punishable as a class B misdemeanor.[2]
Chidester’s parents have argued that the herb played a major role in the teenager’s death, and have advocated for "Schedule I"-like legislation beyond their home state of Delaware.[3] In particular, Brett's mother, Kathleen Chidester, has continued campaigning across the United States. For example, three years after Brett's death in written testimony in support of Senator Richard Colburn's proposed Senate Bill 9 to the Maryland State Legislature, saying - "My hope and goal is to have salvia regulated across the U.S. It's my son's legacy and I will not end my fight until this happens."