Romanians gather in Bucharest demanding ban on sale of hallucinogenic plant leaves By The Associated Press (CP) – 2 hours ago BUCHAREST, Romania — Protest organizers say some 1,000 Romanians have gathered outside the prime minister's office to demand a ban on the sale of hallucinogenic plant leaves. Organizers say Monday the leaves — which have been coated with psychedelic drugs — are extremely dangerous and can lead to depression, anti-social behaviour, and often suicide. The government is working on a law to make the leaves — called etno — illegal and doctors and schools have also called for a ban. In 2009, 1,300 people were hospitalized and 30 people died by smoking or eating the leaves, according to health statistics. No statistics are available yet for 2010 The leaves are often sold in specialty shops in small plastic bags. Small labels read they are not be ingested and used only for aromatherapy, media reported. Copyright © 2011 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.