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Every once in a while, a street drug becomes popular before much is known about it, and many people don’t think twice about its negative effects, because it is still legal. Salvia is one of those drugs right now. Salvia is an extremely strong hallucinogen, and it is gaining in popularity among young people, so much so that it is now twice as popular as LSD in males in their 20s.
Salvia Divinorum
Salvia divinorum is a mint plant that has been used by Mazatec shamans in Mexico for hundreds of years for spiritual healing sessions. Salvia has been used in recent years by young people in the U.S., by smoking the dried leaves or adding the liquefied form to a drink.
Effects of Salvia
Salvia’s effects start almost immediately and last from 5-10 minutes. During that time, the user loses control of their body, often falling over or becoming unable to function. Salvia’s strong hallucinogenic effects are sometimes scary or dangerous. Users might think they see someone chasing after them, or inanimate objects talking to them. If the individual is not in a safe place, they could do something to harm themselves, even in that quick 5-10 minutes.
Only a few studies have been done on salvia, and they seem to show that it does not produce the euphoric state of other drugs, such as LSD, and the addictiveness is unknown. But users take pleasure in the effects it has on the brain, and the distorted view of reality it produces.
A Legal Drug
The fact that salvia is still legal in many states is concerning to both law enforcement and some parents. Since it is legal, many people assume that it is safe and harmless, but that may not be the case. The quick acting, strong hallucinogenic effects of this drug are of concern to some, and the widespread availability and marketing to young people is another concern.
Salvia is outlawed in 12 states and several foreign countries, but other states are having a harder time banning it. It is currently listed by the DEA as a drug of concern, which means law enforcement can’t stop the sale or use of it.
Medical Benefits
If salvia is so potentially harmful because of the altered mental state it produces, why wouldn’t more states push to outlaw it? It’s possible some people are thinking ahead to the potential medical benefits of the drug. Banning it would slow scientists’ research and clinical trials on it. Some scientists are already working on salvia’s uses as therapy for chronic pain or mood disorders, and banning it would add years to the arrival of any positive clinical use for the drug.
It is possible that after more research this drug will be found to be relatively harmless, and that the benefits greatly outweigh the negatives. But without more research on the drug and its long-term effects on the body, it should be treated with caution and respect.
Sources
Editorial: Legislatures need to ban salvia Nov. 20, 2008
Gaskins, Nikki Salvia: The new pot, yet legal
Legal Herb “Salvia” Produces Dangerous Effects Nov 13, 2008
Brain’s Reaction To Potent Hallucinogen Salvia Explored Apr. 28, 2008
Shanks, Chad Doc Anderson works to outlaw salvia on Dr. Phil Nov. 12, 2008
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MS — December 17, 2008 @ 2:06 am
Factual correction:
In fact, salvia’s addictiveness is NOT unknown. Salvia is not only not addictive, but is rather considered to be aversive.
And your evidence for this is what? Salvia like any drug can become addictive or perhaps more likely be a gateway drug to more powerful and dangerous drugs.
salvia — December 30, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
I don’t think the gateway idea is a good argument