Basic Facts About Salvia

What is Salvia?

Salvia (Salvia divinorum) is an herb common to southern Mexico and Central and South America. The main active ingredient in Salvia, salvinorum A, is a potent activator of kappa opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors differ from those activated by the more commonly known opioids, such as heroin and morphine.

How is the Drug Taken?

Traditionally, S. divinorum has been ingested by chewing fresh leaves or by drinking their extracted juices. The dried leaves of S. divinorum can also be smoked as a joint, consumed in water pipes, or vaporized and inhaled.

How Does Salvia Impact the Body?

People who abuse salvia generally experience hallucinations.  Effects have been described as intense but short-lived, appearing in less than 1 minute and lasting less than 30 minutes. They include psychedelic-like changes in visual perception, mood and body sensations, emotional swings, feelings of detachment, and importantly, a highly modified perception of external reality and the self, leading to a decreased ability to interact with one's surroundings.  This last effect has prompted concern about the dangers of being under the influence of salvinorin.

Why Should I be Concerned?

In 2009, NIDA’s Monitoring the Future Survey of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders asked about salvia abuse for the first time—5.7 percent of high school seniors reported past year use (greater than the percent reporting ecstasy use). Although information about this drug is limited, recent salvia-related media reports and Internet traffic suggest the possibility that its abuse is increasing in the US and Europe, likely driven by drug-related videos and information on Internet sites.  

Is it Legal?

 House Bill 5700 amends the Public Health Code to classify Salvia divinorum and salvinorum A as Schedule 1 drugs. The code's penalty provisions for unlawful acts involving controlled substances would also apply to activities associated with Salvia divinorum or salvinorum A.  Use of either substance would be a misdemeanor punishable by not more than one year and/or a fine of not more than $1,000.  Felony provisions apply for conduct involving knowingly possessing Salvia divinorum or salvinorum A; manufacturing, creating, delivering, or possessing with intent to deliver either substance; or owning or using buildings, vehicles, or places to manufacture a controlled substance or a counterfeit substance.

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