Salvia divinorum
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Contents |
Pharmacology
The active hallucinogenic molecule within the salvia divinorum plant is salvinorin A. 3 This is a naturally occurring hallucinogen, one of the most powerful. 5 The chemical agent is neoclerodane diterpene. This chemical agent is located mostly in the leaves of the plant although is also found in the stems. 4
Origins
“S. divinorum, also known as Magic Mint or Diviner’s Sage, was used by the shamans of Mazatec Indians in Oaxaca, southern Mexico for ritualistic purposes." 1
Street Names
Maria Pastora, Sage of the Seers, Diviner’s Sage, Salvia, Sally-D, Magic Mint, and Shepherdess’ Herb. 5
Typical Use
Historically, the herb has been around for centuries, utilized for its medicinal properties. It helped to treat a variety of ailments such as headache, diarrhea, joint pain and stomach tenderness. It was also used for prophesying purposes, which is where the names Diviner’s Sage and Sage of the Seers originate from. One can chew the herb, smoke it or prepare the leaves into a tea to take advantage of the plant’s hallucinogenic properties. Recently the herb has experienced popularity in a dried version that is smoked. 2
Effects
Scientifically, the plant affects the brain and thus alters one’s perception. Current research suggests that Saliva (salvinorin A) does this “by acting on the kappa opioid receptor of the brain.” 5 Although the effects are as unique as the individuals who experience them there are some common themes during the hallucinogenic trip that is experienced. People often describe seeing bright lights, colors and shapes. 4 Additional reported effects include the alteration of perception of self and the ability to levitate. Salvinorin A users were also commonly seen going into uncontrollable fits of laughter while using the drug. These effects would begin five minutes after intake of the salvia and would last no longer than thirty minutes. 1
Harm
No research has been completed at this time on the long-term consequences of salvia use. 1 There are no previously known cases of dependence upon Salvia Divinorum. There have been animal studies with similarly acting drugs that suggest a possibility for withdrawal. 6 Salvia is a non-water-soluble hallucinogen. The long term effects of those include hallucinogenic effects being re-experienced at a later date, well after the effects should have worn off. This is often described as a déjà vu effect. Researchers believe Salvia users may likely experience similar feelings. 1 Potential long-term negative physical effects are hypothesized to be garbled vocalizations and a loss of coordination. 4
Legal Status
Salvia divinorum has mainly been marketed online and in local smoke shops. One of its main selling points is the fact that it is legal in many markets. 6 As of yet, there has been no Federal laws placed on the sale, use or possession of Salvia. Local states have however begun to pass their own legislation. 5 In 2005 Louisiana was one of the first states to outright make selling or distributing Salvia illegal. Delaware, Missouri, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Maine and North Dakota have all recently passed various legislation limiting the sale and use of Salvia divinorum. Legislative bills are in the works in Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas. The world possession and consumption of Salvia divinorum and/or salvinorin A is regulated in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Spain and Sweden. 4
Consumption Measures
Salvia divinorum is sold as seeds, a whole plant, leaves which come dried or fresh, or as extract-enhanced leaves of varying potency. It can be found online or in smoke shops with labels indicating the strength as anywhere from 5x to 30x. 4 An average sized dose, one that produces hallucinogenic visions lasting for about thirty minutes is between 200 to 500mcg. There have been reports that anyone taking a dosage of over 500mcg will experience a hallucination in which the user is no longer in touch with reality. 3
References
1. Singh, S. (2007). Adolescent salvia substance abuse. Addiction, 102(5): 823-824. Retrieved May 6, 2008, from http://web.ebscohost.com.libproxy.sdsu.edu/ehost/pdf?vid=1&hid=112&sid=b1741a74-1e7c-48dd-bd01-d262eb502ba8%40sessionmgr109
2. (2003). In Case You Haven't Heard.... Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly, 15(22): 8. Retrieved May 6, 2008, from http://web.ebscohost.com.libproxy.sdsu.edu/ehost/pdf?vid=1&hid=109&sid=7ee9aa90-c4e2-4185-8fc6-cc5f721bf6da%40sessionmgr106
3. Valdes, L., & Seymour, R. (1998). Salvinorin A is not your usual cup of tea. Brown University Psychopharmacology Update, 9(7): 5. Retrieved May 6, 2008, from http://web.ebscohost.com.libproxy.sdsu.edu/ehost/detail?vid=2&hid=105&sid=29b0f153-e0ba-424b-8781-77c64a6a84db%40sessionmgr104
4. SALVIA DIVINORUM AND SALVINORIN A. (n.d.). Retrieved May 6, 2008, from http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugs_concern/salvia_d/salvia_d.htm
5. Salvia Divinorum. (2007). Retrieved May 6, 2008, from http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/dfc/files/salvia.pdf
6. Baggott, M. (June, 2004). A survey of salvia divinorum users. Erowid Extracts, 6: 12-15. Retrieved May 6, 2008, from http://www.erowid.org/general/newsletter/erowid_newsletter6.pdf
