Salvia (Drug of Abuse)

Salvia divinorum (salvia) is a perennial plant of the sage family that can produce psychedelic experiences. Traditionally used for healing, it has gained popularity as a recreational drug. It is typically smoked, and its effects are brief and intense. Salvia’s psychoactive constituent, salvinorin A, is a short-acting hallucinogenic agent that activates the kappa opioid system in the brain. Use is not generally associated with significant health problems or high addictive liability, but assessment of risk is ongoing. Most salvia users are youth and young adults. Some countries have enacted laws against salvia and salvinorin A; most do not yet regulate either. Salvinorin A is being investigated as a possible therapeutic, and may have value as an anti-addiction medication.

Salvia originated in the Sierra Mazateca region of ...