What Is Salvia Divinorum
Salvia is derived from the American plant Salvia divinorum, a member of the mint family. It is used by the Mazatecs and others in Meso America. It is marketed in the UK under many guises. In head and sex shops it is often sold as herbal ecstasy, using names such as Eclipse. It is also sold as a dried natural high, intended for smoking (in variable amounts) or as a herbal remedy under its botanical name, or as the matrix or ‘hallucinogenic sage’.
“Salvinorin A” the active component of Salvia Divinorum, is most effective when vaporised and inhaled, but the most common way to take it is by swallowing or smoking. Its effects are more hallucinatory than other legal highs – though high doses of the raw plant are usually needed to achieve these effects.
Effects And Risks Of Salvia Divinorum
Effects of Salvia Divinorum:
Very little is known about these drugs. Proper controlled research is sparse and therefore side effects and possible dangers when taken with other drugs and even foods is not fully known.
A dose of 200-500 mcg (mcg = micrograms. There are 1000 mcg in 1 mg) produces profound hallucinations that last from 30 minutes to an hour or two, while doses over 2mg (mg = milligrams. There are 1000 mg in 1 gram) are effective for much longer. According to the literature, doses greater than 500 mcg can cause the user to become completely unaware of their surroundings and enter a state of uncontrollable delirium during which they must be watched carefully.
Is Salvia Divinorum Illegal
Unfortunately these are substances that mimic the effects of some illegal drugs such as ecstasy and speed, but are not controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act.