Salvia divinorum traditionally is used for healing and rituals by the Mazatec Indians in Mexico. This member of the mint family can induce hallucinations. In fact, this "magic mint" is considered one of the most potent hallucinogens found to date, according to the "Journal of Psychoactive Drugs." In the United States, people usually chew the plant's leaf or smoke it. This herb is not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act, though as of 2009, 14 states had enacted regulatory controls on it, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Utilizing this hallucinogen can produce side effects.
Physical Effects
Adverse physical effects of chewing or smoking salvia divinorum leaf may include lack of coordination, slurred speech and dizziness, according to the DEA. Other effects include uncontrolled laughter and hallucinations, meaning you may see objects that are not present. Long-term effects of using this plant are not well studied, according to The Partnership for a Drug-Free America. You are most likely to be harmed if you do not prepare adequately for its use, such as by using it in a setting where it's dangerous to be intoxicated, advises the partnership.
Spacio-Temporal Dislocation
You may have an experience called "spacio-temporal dislocation," meaning that in your mind you'll experience a trip to another time and place. This experience can be virtually instantaneous, according to biochemist and neuroscientist Bryan Roth of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Many first-time users find this experience frightening or disturbing, deterring them from using it again, Roth tells National Public Radio.
Psychotomimetic Episode
You may experience a "psychotomimetic" episode if you use salvia divinorum. This is a transient experience that will mimic psychosis, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. This experience decreases your ability to interact with your surroundings and gives you a sense of a "loss of body," according to an analysis by D. Gonzales et al. published in the November 2006 journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence. The experience is likely to be intense, albeit short lived, lasting a half hour or less. Other psychic effects that you can expect include perceptions of vivid colors, shapes and bright lights and distortions in perceptions of body movements or object distortions, advises the DEA. Such effects are prompting concern about driving under the influence of this herb, according to NIDA.
References
- PubMed: "Journal of Psychoactive Drugs;" Subjective effects of Salvia divinorum: LSD- or marijuana-like?; D.N. Albertson and L.E.; 2009
- PUbMed: "Clinical Toxicology;" Opioid receptors and legal highs: Salvia divinorum and Kratom; K.M. Babu, C.R. McCurdy, E.W. Boyer; 2008
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Salvia
- Pubmed: "Drug and Alcohol Dependence;" Pattern of use and subjective effects of Salvia divinorum among recreational users; D. Gonzales et al.; November 2006
- National Public Radio: Salvia: Legal Herb Hallucinogen Draws Teens, Critics; David Schaper; March 20, 2006
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