{"id":46145,"date":"2021-02-03T06:15:23","date_gmt":"2021-02-03T05:15:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ccadicciones.es\/salvia-divinorum-what-it-is-its-effects-and-its-risks\/"},"modified":"2021-02-03T06:15:23","modified_gmt":"2021-02-03T05:15:23","slug":"salvia-divinorum-what-it-is-its-effects-and-its-risks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ccadicciones.es\/en\/salvia-divinorum-what-it-is-its-effects-and-its-risks\/","title":{"rendered":"Salvia divinorum: What it is, its effects, and its risks"},"content":{"rendered":"

When a person decides to consume drugs<\/a><\/strong>, 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<\/a> in those who consume it.<\/strong> 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? <\/p>\n

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What is Salvia divinorum?<\/h3>\n

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.<\/strong> 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 \u201cMar\u00eda Pastora,\u201d \u201cSally-D,\u201d or \u201cmagic mint.\u201d <\/p>\n

Professional help for psychoactive substance use<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/strong> <\/p>\n

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Effects of Salvia divinorum<\/h3>\n

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: <\/p>\n