Salvia

Salvia divinorum, commonly known as Salvia, is a plant species indigenous to the cloud forests of Oaxaca, Mexico. This plant belongs to the sage family and has been traditionally utilised by the Mazatec people for spiritual, medicinal, and divinatory purposes.¹ The principal psychoactive compound of Salvia divinorum is salvinorin A, which is responsible for the plant’s potent effects.

The modern scientific community began to take note of Salvia divinorum following the publication of pharmacological findings by Daniel Siebert in 1994.1 Subsequent research further identified salvinorin A as a potent, non-nitrogenous kappa-opioid receptor agonist. This discovery was particularly significant because most opioid agonists are nitrogenous compounds.²

The effects of Salvia divinorum and its active compound, salvinorin A, are known for their potency and vary depending on the dosage, individual response, and setting. MacLean et al. categorised these effects as dose-dependent, ranging from subtle perceptual changes at lower doses to intense dissociative and hallucinogenic experiences at higher doses.³ Salvinorin A can also lead to memory impairment at higher dosages.

Although not considered addictive and generally not linked to long-term physiological harm, the potent psychological effects of Salvia divinorum have led to its regulation in several countries and states, reflecting ongoing concerns about its safety.⁴

Appearance

Salvia divinorum is a green perennial herb with large leaves often covered in fine hairs. The plant grows in a shrub-like formation, reaching heights of up to one metre. The leaves are oval-shaped and can measure up to 30 cm in length and 10 cm in width. It also produces white or purplish flowers arranged in a raceme, though flowering is less common when the plant is cultivated outside its native environment.¹

Tastе

The taste of Salvia divinorum leaves is often described as bitter. The Mazatec tradition involves chewing fresh leaves or consuming them as tea, highlighting the plant’s bitter taste. However, the leaves are also sometimes dried and smoked, in which case the taste can be less prominent but still generally described as bitter or earthy.¹

Smell

Salvia divinorum has a somewhat pungent, earthy smell, especially when the leaves are crushed or broken. Like other sage species, the smell can intensify when the leaves are burnt. It doesn’t have an overwhelmingly strong odour, but it is distinct enough to be recognisable as a member of the sage family.¹

• Minimum to Feel Something: A dose as low as 200-500 micrograms (μg) of salvinorin A can induce subtle changes in perception and mood. Users may experience mild visual alterations and emotional shifts. This is often considered the threshold for noticeable effects and is a starting point for many individuals new to Salvia divinorum. ³
• Low Dose: A low dose typically ranges from 500 μg to 1 milligram (mg) of salvinorin A. At this level, users may experience moderate hallucinations and changes in perception, but the experience is generally manageable. There may also be some cognitive effects, such as changes in thought patterns and introspection.
• Common Dose: A common dose, usually between 1-2 mg of salvinorin A, produces more pronounced hallucinogenic and dissociative effects. The experience may include visual distortions, altered auditory perception, and a sense of detachment from reality. It is generally intense and can be disorienting for inexperienced users.
• High Dose: Doses exceeding 2 mg of salvinorin A are considered high and can result in intense and overwhelming hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, and a complete disconnection from reality. These higher doses may also result in memory impairment and are generally not recommended for inexperienced users or those without a sitter.³

Notes on What May Happen When Exceeding the High Dose

Exceeding the high dose can lead to extremely intense and potentially overwhelming experiences. Users may experience severe disorientation, extreme hallucinations, and a complete detachment from reality. There’s also an increased risk of physical injury due to impaired judgement and motor functions. Such high doses may also induce a “blackout,” where the individual cannot remember the experience afterwards.³

Users often describe the experience as intensely hallucinogenic, with strong visual and auditory distortions. The feeling of travelling through time or entering other dimensions is commonly reported. Emotional states can fluctuate rapidly, ranging from euphoria to confusion or terror. A strong sensation of dissociation from oneself and the environment is also frequently reported.³

The onset of effects can vary depending on the method of consumption. When smoked, effects typically commence within 30 seconds to a minute. When taken orally, such as in the form of a tincture or fresh leaves, the onset can take up to 15 minutes or more.^5,6

The duration of the effects depends on the method of consumption. When smoked, the effects generally last between 5 to 30 minutes. The effects can last up to an hour or more if consumed orally. When chewed, effects can last even longer, often exceeding an hour.^5,6

Reported risks include impaired judgement and motor functions, which can lead to physical injury. High doses can induce intense hallucinations and disorientation, raising the risk of accidental harm. While fatal overdoses are considered rare, the potential for psychological trauma is significant.^3,4

The potential for addiction to Salvia Divinorum appears to be relatively low compared to other psychoactive substances. Salvia acts on kappa opioid receptors in the brain, which is distinct from the mu-opioid receptors targeted by substances more commonly associated with addiction, such as heroin and prescription opioids.²  While the kappa opioid system can induce dysphoric or aversive states, it is generally not associated with the reinforcing effects that drive substance abuse.

Studies in humans have also indicated that Salvia Divinorum does not appear to induce craving, nor does it activate brain regions typically involved in addiction.³ This suggests that the drug does not possess the properties commonly associated with substances that have a high potential for abuse. Moreover, Salvia Divinorum is often described as producing intense but generally brief effects, and many users do not report a desire to reuse the drug frequently.

However, it should be noted that “low potential for addiction” does not mean “no potential.” Problematic or frequent use cases have been reported, but they are relatively rare. Despite the low potential for addiction, the intense psychological effects and potential for harm, especially in uncontrolled settings, make it a substance that should be approached with caution.

Given the complex nature of addiction, which can involve a range of physiological, psychological, and social factors, it’s essential not to underestimate the potential risks associated with any psychoactive substance, including Salvia Divinorum.

In the United Kingdom, Salvia Divinorum is classified as a Class A drug under the Psychoactive Substances Act of 2016. This means that producing, supplying, or possessing for personal use is illegal. The penalties for offences involving Class A substances are the most severe under UK drug laws, and they can include life imprisonment for production or supply and up to seven years in prison for possession. The law also provides for an unlimited fine for these offences. It should be noted that the Act aims to ban any substance that is capable of producing a psychoactive effect, except for alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine.

The categorisation of Salvia Divinorum as a Class A drug places it in the same legal category as other substances such as heroin, cocaine, and LSD.⁷ This underscores the UK government’s view on its potential for harm and abuse, even if the scientific literature suggests a more complex picture. The legal status makes any research into the drug’s potential medicinal properties more challenging to conduct within the UK.

It is important to be aware of the legal implications of Salvia Divinorum use or possession in the UK, given the severe penalties associated with Class A drugs. The law is particularly stringent on this substance, reflecting the government’s aim to curb its use and potential risks to public health.

The 2016 Act also gives the police powers to seize and destroy any psychoactive substances and to search persons, premises, and vehicles if they suspect involvement with the prohibited substances. Therefore, being caught with Salvia could lead to significant legal repercussions.

The practice of mixing Salvia Divinorum with other drugs is generally considered risky due to the unpredictable nature of its effects. There’s limited scientific literature on how Salvia interacts with other substances. However, it’s known that Salvia acts on the kappa opioid receptors, which is different from the mechanisms of most other psychoactive substances.² Therefore, combining it with other drugs could lead to unforeseen interactions and amplify the risks.

Alcohol and other central nervous system depressants, for instance, could potentially amplify Salvia’s impairing effects on motor skills and judgement. Similarly, mixing Salvia with other hallucinogens like LSD or psilocybin could result in a profoundly disorienting experience, increasing the likelihood of negative emotional or psychological reactions. Stimulants like amphetamines or cocaine could also interact in unpredictable ways, given that these substances affect different neuroreceptors.

It is essential to exercise caution when considering mixing Salvia Divinorum with other substances. Given the unpredictable and potent effects of Salvia, it is advised to use it in a controlled, familiar environment and ideally under the supervision of someone sober. It is always safer not to mix substances, especially when there is limited scientific understanding of the potential interactions and side effects.

1. Siebert, D.J., 1994. Salvia divinorum and salvinorin A: new pharmacologic findings. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 43(1), pp.53-56. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7526076/
2. Roth, B.L., Baner, K., Westkaemper, R., Siebert, D., Rice, K.C., Steinberg, S., Ernsberger, P., Rothman, R.B., 2002. Salvinorin A: a potent naturally occurring nonnitrogenous kappa opioid selective agonist. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 99(18), pp.11934-11939. https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.182234399
3. MacLean, K.A., Johnson, M.W., Reissig, C.J., Prisinzano, T.E., Griffiths, R.R., 2013. Dose-related effects of salvinorin A in humans: dissociative, hallucinogenic, and memory effects. Psychopharmacology, 226(2), pp.381-392. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-012-2912-9 
4. DEA, n.d. Salvia Divinorum. https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/salvia-divinorum 
5. Talk to Frank, n.d. Salvia. https://www.talktofrank.com/drug/salvia
6. Australian Drug Foundation (ADF), n.d. Salvia. https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/salvia/
7. Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, c. 2, United Kingdom. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/2/contents/enacted