Short answer: Salvia divinorum is a Mexican plant whose active compound, salvinorin A, causes intense but very brief hallucinations when smoked or chewed. It is not federally controlled, but many states ban it. Unlike classic psychedelics, it acts on kappa opioid receptors and often causes complete loss of contact with surroundings.
Key takeaways
- What it is: Salvia divinorum is a dissociative hallucinogen (kappa opioid agonist) and not a federally controlled substance.
- Medical use: none accepted in the US.
- Timing: effects start in under 1 minute (smoked) and last 5 to 20 minutes (smoked).
- Most dangerous mix: Alcohol and sedatives, which can cause more confusion and accident risk.
- Naloxone: it does not reverse this drug, but give it whenever opioids could be involved.
- Dependence risk: Low.
- Legal route: salvia divinorum is not federally scheduled as of October 2026, but state bans, FDA restrictions, and pending federal action can apply; check current status.
What is salvia divinorum?
Mazatec healers in Mexico have used salvia in spiritual practices. Salvinorin A is the most potent naturally occurring hallucinogen known by weight.
Effects include intense hallucinations, a sense of merging with objects, moving through space, or being in another reality, uncontrollable laughter, and loss of awareness of the body and surroundings. They peak within minutes.
Quick facts
| Fact | Salvia divinorum |
|---|---|
| Plant | Salvia divinorum, a sage native to Oaxaca, Mexico |
| Active compound | Salvinorin A |
| Drug class | Dissociative hallucinogen; kappa opioid receptor agonist |
| US legal status | Not federally controlled; listed by the DEA as a drug of concern; banned or regulated in many states |
| Forms | Dried leaves, concentrated extracts, fresh leaves (chewed) |
| Onset | Under 1 minute when smoked |
| Duration | 5 to 20 minutes smoked; up to 1 hour chewed |
How long does salvia divinorum last?
- Starts working: Under 1 minute (smoked)
- Effects last: 5 to 20 minutes (smoked)
When smoked, effects peak within minutes and are mostly gone in 5 to 20 minutes.
Timing varies with the dose, the form, how it is taken, liver and kidney function, age, and other drugs taken at the same time.
What are the biggest risks of salvia divinorum?
Injury: people often lose awareness of their surroundings and can fall, walk into hazards, or hurt themselves. A sober sitter is important.
Distress: experiences can be frightening and disorienting.
Long-term effects are not well studied.
What should you never mix with salvia divinorum?
| Combined with | What happens | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol and sedatives | More confusion and accident risk | Avoid |
| Other hallucinogens and dissociatives | Overwhelming, unpredictable effects | High risk |
| Opioid medicines | Unknown interactions at kappa receptors | Caution |
Check any combination with the DoseUses combination checker or ask a pharmacist.
What are the signs of a salvia divinorum overdose, and what should you do?
Salvia is not known to cause fatal overdose on its own. The main dangers are injuries, accidents, and panic.
If someone is having a dangerous reaction
- Call 911 for a seizure, chest pain, a very high temperature, trouble breathing, unresponsiveness, or if the person may harm themselves or others.
- Move them to a quiet, safe place away from roads, water, heights, and crowds. Stay with them and speak calmly.
- Do not leave the person alone and do not give them other drugs or alcohol to calm them down.
- If they become unresponsive, place them on their side and give naloxone in case opioids are involved.
Is salvia addictive?
Salvia is not considered addictive, and most people who try it do not use it often, partly because the experience can be unpleasant.
- MinutesAfter-effectsDisorientation and confusion fade quickly.
- HoursPossible lingering effectsMild headache or unease.
- DaysNo withdrawalNo withdrawal syndrome is known.
See the withdrawal timelines and the full salvia divinorum withdrawal guide.
Is salvia divinorum legal?
Salvia divinorum and salvinorin A are not federally controlled. The DEA lists them as drugs of concern.
- State law: about 30 states ban or restrict salvia, many as a Schedule I substance, and others set age limits.
Outside the United States
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| Australia | Schedule 9 prohibited substance |
| Canada | Controlled since 2016 |
| United Kingdom | Supply banned under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 |
| International | Not under UN control |
Frequently asked questions about salvia divinorum
How long does salvia last?
When smoked, effects peak within minutes and are mostly gone in 5 to 20 minutes.
Is salvia legal?
Not federally controlled, but banned or restricted in about 30 states.
Is salvia like LSD?
No. It works on kappa opioid receptors, and its effects are shorter, more dissociative, and often disorienting.
Can salvia kill you?
It is not known to cause fatal overdose, but people can be injured while unaware of their surroundings.
Does salvia show up on drug tests?
Standard drug tests do not look for it.
Sources
- Psychedelic and Dissociative Drugs, National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- Salvia divinorum and salvinorin A (drug and chemical evaluation), DEA Diversion Control Division.
- National Helpline, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- FindTreatment.gov, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- International drug control conventions, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
This guide summarizes the sourced DoseUses Salvia divinorum profile, written from FDA labels, DEA rules, and federal health agencies. It is educational and is not medical advice. Last updated October 5, 2026.
