Marketed as a legal way to get high, salvia extract comes from the plant scientifically known as Salvia divinorum. The genus Salvia is the largest genus of mint plants and includes all types of sage. Salvia divinorum is commonly known as Maria Pastora, Sage of the Seers, Diviner's Sage, Sally-D and magic mint. Young adult males, ages 18 to 25, are the most likely demographic to experiment with and use salvia. More than 1.8 million people have used it in their lifetime.
Plant Characteristics
Salvia divinorum is an herbaceous perennial that reaches over 3 feet high. It is native to a mountainous zone called the Sierra Mazateca region in Oaxaca, Mexico. The stems, square and hollow, produce big, green, oval-shaped leaves. Anticipate spikes of purple buds that blossom into small, purplish-white flowers.
Active Constituent
The active hallucinogenic constituent found in Salvia divinorum extract is called salvinorin A, or divinorin A, which is a substance known as a neoclerodane diterpene. The highest concentration is contained in the leaves; the stems only contain a small amount. According to the University of Maryland Center for Substance Abuse Research, "salvinorin A, is the most potent naturally occurring hallucinogen."
Legal
United States federal regulating agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Food and Drug Administration do not regard salvia extract as a controlled, medicinal or illegal substance. At least 14 U.S. states have independently passed regulations against the sale, purchase, possession or cultivation of Salvia divinorum. Salvinorin A, found in salvia extract, is not considered illegal to the federal body because it differs from other hallucinogens. DEA schedule 1 hallucinogens, like LSD and magic mushrooms, activate the serotonin 2A receptor, while salvinorin A does not.
Ingestion
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, you can orally ingest or smoke salvia extract. To obtain the effects orally within five to 10 minutes, it recommends keeping the extract in your mouth along your cheek area for maximum absorption. It goes on to say that smoking "extract-enhanced leaves" or the pure extract results in quicker and longer-lasting effects.
Effects
The DEA reports the use of salvia extract will produce psychic effects, including colors more vivid than usual, object distortions and increased perception of bright lights. You may also experience uncontrollable laughter, involuntary body movements, hallucinations, overlapping realities, dizziness and slurred words.
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