Although salvia isn't illegal according to federal law, a handful of states and a number of countries have passed laws to regulate its use. Still, it's often called a "legal" trip because it can mimic the effects of illicit substances like LSD and ecstasy though salvia's effects don't last as long—usually around 8 minutes—after which, they taper off.
Despite its legal status, salvia has not been deemed safe. In fact, the Drug Enforcement Administration DEA lists salvia as a drug of concern that poses risk to people who use it.
Drug Class: Salvia is classified as a hallucinogen. Salvia has large, spade-shaped green leaves that look similar to mint. They have white and purple flowers and typically grow to more than three feet high. This perennial herb is often mistaken as a legal alternative to marijuana. But other than the fact that it is green, dried, and can be smoked, it has nothing in common with cannabis.
People who smoke salvia will not experience a milder type of high than when smoking pot. The active ingredient in the salvia herb is salvinorin A, a chemical that acts on certain receptors in the brain and causes hallucinations.
This short duration may be appealing to first-time users who are afraid of having a long trip that can last for hours. Precisely how much salvia is needed to produce these effects varies depending on the person as well as leaf quality and potency. Many people who try salvia don't like it, describing the experience as intense, disturbing, and frightening—not fun or euphoric. According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, salvinorin A is the most potent naturally occurring hallucinogen.
How salvia acts in the brain is still being studied, but we do know that salvinorin A changes the signaling process of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain by attaching to nerve cell receptors called kappa opioid receptors. It also influences dopamine receptors in the brain. In the early s, teenagers were recording themselves using salvia and posting videos online some with , views on YouTube.
Luckily, salvia has decreased in popularity among teenagers since then. Salvia has traditionally been used by shamans as a healing and divining tool salvia divinorum translates to "sage of the seers".
According to Daniel Siebert, who's researched salvia for more than 20 years, the herb was used to induce a visionary trance state that made it possible for these healers to determine the underlying cause of disease and learn what steps to take to remedy it. At this time, there is no medical use for salvia.
Salvia has been reported to cause intense effects, including:. Many of these effects raise a concern about the dangers of driving under the influence of salvia. Additionally, any drug that leaves you incapacitated during the time it's working increases the risk for serious injury in any capacity.
It's not clear if there have been any deaths associated with salvia. The European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction notes that emergency reports have described lasting psychosis in vulnerable people. At least one suicide has been blamed on salvia. The long-term effects of using the drug also aren't known. However, studies with animals showed that salvia can harm learning and memory. Since teens can access salvia easier than some other types of drugs, it's important for parents to educate themselves and their kids on its potential danger.
Also, take note if your loved one is burning incense; which many say is similar to the smell of Magic Mint when smoked. Consider searching for any seeds, leaves, liquid extracts, or drug paraphernalia such as bongs, pipes, or rolling papers. The biggest problem with salvia is that it has such dramatic psychological effects. Because the drug can impair a user's coordination and reality so much, people under the influence of salvia can be a real danger to themselves.
There is a substantial risk of injury or accidental death to salvia users. Salvia is illegal in a number of foreign countries and in many American states. Possession or use of salvia in states where it is illegal is punishable by fines and jail time.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What It Is: Salvia is an herb that's native to the mountains of southern Mexico. However, the possible issues are serious and worth consideration.
Salvia largely flew under the radar until when a video of pop music star Miley Cyrus made waves on the internet. In the video, the thenyear-old singer and actress was filmed smoking salvia in a water bong. The video brought the spotlight of attention to this drug, and some state legislators began introducing laws restricting the sale and use of this plant. That means individual state laws apply to salvia but no federal ones.
Today, many states have laws on the books that outlaw buying, possessing, or selling salvia. Some states have age restrictions, and some states outlaw salvia extracts but not the plant. Additionally, talk with your doctor if you try salvia and experience issues or side effects. If you are growing the plant or have salvia in your home, consider this a drug to be kept from children and pets.
This information can help your doctor provide more complete care and watch for complications that may be associated with use. Keeping your doctor in the loop is especially important if you take prescription medications in addition to recreational drugs.
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