What is Salvia? Side Effects & Risks

Salvia divinorum is a plant that belongs to the mint family.[1] There are almost 1,000 plant species belonging to the Salvia genus, including sage, rosemary, and chia. While most of them are harmless, salvia divinorum is a mind-altering and dangerous substance of abuse.

Salvia is abused for its hallucinogenic effects. To experience a high, the plant matter has to be turned into an extract that is smoked in a pipe or water bong. You might experience effects like changes in sensory perception, visual or auditory hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, euphoria, fear, panic, and more.[2]

While some people have a pleasurable experience when abusing Salvia, others have something referred to as a “bad trip.” Unfortunately, bad trips are not the only risk of abusing this drug. You can also experience long-term effects of salvia, including memory loss, mental health problems, and organ dysfunction.

In this article, you will learn:

• What is the drug “Salvia”?
• What are the short-term effects of salvia?
• What are the long-term risks of abusing salvia?

What is Salvia Divinorum?

Salvia divinorum is a plant belonging to the mint family that is derived from Mexico. Because of its hallucinogenic effects, it has been referred to as “the diviner’s sage.” Additionally, the mind-altering effects of salvia have sparked its cultivation in the United States, Australia, and Europe.

Some cultures have used salvia as a part of religious practices to experience “Shamanic visions” during spiritual ceremonies. Even though salvia is commonly abused, it is not considered a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Instead, certain states have begun making laws banning the use or sale of the drug.

Smoking or chewing the leaves of Salvia can produce minimal psychoactive effects. Because the effects of dried leaves are not potent, most people abusing the drug turn it into an extract that is smoked in a pipe or water bong.

Salvia causes a high because it contains the kappa-opioid receptor agonist salvinorin A, which leads to hallucinations and changes in sensory perception.[3]

What are the Side Effects of Salvia?

Salvia can affect each person differently. That said, it is known for its psychedelic effects, which means it can cause visual and auditory hallucinations.

The common effects of salvia include:[2]

• Hallucinations
• Changes in sensory perception
• Out-of-body experiences
• Detachment from reality
• Uncontrollable laughter and euphoria
• Anxiety, fear, or panic
• Slurred speech
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Loss of motor functioning and coordination issues
• Irregular heart rate

The effects of salvia begin within 5 to 10 minutes of smoking it. While most people only experience effects for 20 minutes to 30 minutes, high doses can lead to longer-lasting effects of up to a few hours.

The Dangers of Salvia

Salvia is a potent naturally occurring hallucinogenic plant that can be dangerous to misuse.

The long-term dangers of abusing salvia include:

Mental Health Risks

If you have a predisposition to mental health conditions, abusing salvia could trigger symptoms to arise. For example, you could develop substance-induced psychosis after using the drug.[4] symptoms of psychosis include a detachment from reality, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and disorganized speech.

You can also develop a condition known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD) after using salvia long-term.[5] This disorder causes you to continue experiencing hallucinations even when you are not actively high on salvia.

Memory Loss

Abusing salvia long-term can also lead to memory problems. According to a study by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), salvia can cause issues maintaining long-term memories, poor cognitive functioning, and trouble learning new ideas.[6]

Organ Dysfunction

Lastly, abusing salvia repeatedly can cause significant organ dysfunction. According to research, “Salvia intoxication can cause multiple organ dysfunction (liver function, kidney function), and blood coagulation.”[7]

If you use salvia long-term, you could develop liver and kidney problems. While these conditions can be treated, some damage will remain permanent. Because of this, you should seek help for substance abuse if you continually misuse a drug like salvia.

Find Help for Salvia Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one suffers from salvia abuse, it’s time to seek professional help. At New Jersey Addiction Interventions, we can help set up a professional intervention to convince your loved one to attend treatment. Our team of addiction specialists can also connect you with a reputable drug and alcohol rehab center to attend.

Contact us today for more information on how we can help you find support for salvia abuse and addiction.

References:

1. Dovepress: Salvia divinorum: from recreational hallucinogenic use to analgesic and anti-inflammatory action
2. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Salvia Divinorum
3. Taylor and Francis Online: Opioid receptors and legal highs: Salvia divinorum and Kratom
4. Merck Manuals: Substance-/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder
5. Science Direct: Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder: what do we know after 50 years
6. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Learning and memory impairment induced by salvinorin A, the principal ingredient of Salvia divinorum, in wistar rats
7. American Journal of Case Reports: A Case Reports of Poisoning Caused by Incorrect Use of Salvia