When a person decides to consume drugs, they do so seeking specific effects. Some look for a stimulant to last longer at a party, others prefer substances that induce a state of relaxation, or even those who pursue a psychedelic experience. Today, we will focus on a singular drug, not of very ancient proliferation, that produces hallucinations in those who consume it. This is Salvia divinorum, a plant native to Central America that has been used as a recreational drug for several decades. What are its effects and why can it be dangerous?
What is Salvia divinorum?
The first thing to say is that this plant is not the same as the one from which the sage used for cooking or taken as tea to relieve stomach and respiratory discomfort is extracted. In this case, we are talking about Salvia divinorum. This plant was originally cultivated in the mountains of southern Mexico and was already used by pre-Columbian civilizations in ritual ceremonies. Much later, in the 1960s, the plant was brought to the United States and Europe where the new species was identified and its effects began to be investigated. In Spanish, it is also known as diviner’s sage, as well as other names such as “María Pastora,” “Sally-D,” or “magic mint.”
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Salvia divinorum consists of large, broad, oval-shaped green leaves, measuring between 10 and 30 centimeters. The plant itself usually exceeds one meter in height. The flowers grow in a spiral shape, are white and curved, and covered with hairs. Its flowering season occurs between September and May. Of all the types of sage that exist, this is the only one that causes intense hallucinations. The substance responsible is called salvinorin A, which affects the brain’s opioid receptors, enhancing hallucinations.
Effects of Salvia divinorum
This drug is consumed by chewing its leaves or smoking them in water pipes. The effects appear quickly, sometimes within 30 seconds, and usually last between 30 minutes to a maximum of one hour. The most common short-term effects are:
- Hallucinations and changes in visual perception
- Difficulty concentrating
- Uncontrolled laughter
- Feeling of disconnection from oneself and from reality, unable to distinguish between real and imaginary
- Lack of coordination
- Emotional and mood changes
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Difficulty speaking
- High sensitivity to light and sound
- Decrease in body temperature and blood pressure
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The effects of this drug on the mind can range from mild to intense. Depending on the dose taken, they can even be frightening. What makes Salvia divinorum particularly dangerous is that its consumption can become a very distressing experience. Those who take this substance first experience momentary states of joy that suddenly turn into feelings of terror and paranoia. There have been cases of people who have woken up after consuming with mental blanks or in strange places they don’t remember how they got to.
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The fact that this drug has such intense effects on the psyche is its greatest danger. By severely impairing the user’s coordination and sense of reality, people under its influence can be a real danger to themselves. This is to the extent that there is a considerable risk of injury or accidental death when under the influence of the substance.
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Furthermore, some studies claim that long-term use can lead to the development of dysphoria, a condition characterized by feelings of depression, dissatisfaction, and restlessness. Additionally, smoking this sage for a long period can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
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If the use of substances like Salvia divinorum begins to cause problems in one’s personal or emotional life, it is important to seek professional help through addiction therapeutic services.
There are different treatments for other addictions that allow for an integral approach to the consumption of psychedelic substances and other addictive behaviors.
The Status of Salvia divinorum
This drug became popular at the beginning of this century, and several factors explain its success. Firstly, it is a legal substance in most countries. It is only prohibited in Australia, Chile, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Italy. In Spain, its sale for medicinal use is prohibited, but not as an ornamental plant. Perhaps the strangest thing is why this plant has the relative success it does if its effects are far from pleasant. The reasons are that it is a very cheap drug and very easy to acquire. Many websites can be found selling it in the form of seeds, leaves, or the complete plant, and they ship worldwide.
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