Salvia divinorum at a glance: schedule, half-life, and class
- 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
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.[1]
It does not act on serotonin receptors like LSD or psilocybin. It activates kappa opioid receptors, which explains its dissociative, often unpleasant character.[1]
Salvia divinorum effects and how long they last
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.[1]
Salvia divinorum side effects and risks
Injury: people often lose awareness of their surroundings and can fall, walk into hazards, or hurt themselves. A sober sitter is important.[1]
Distress: experiences can be frightening and disorienting.
Long-term effects are not well studied.
Salvia divinorum interactions: what is dangerous to mix with it
Choose what it would be combined with:
| 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 |
This is not a full list. Combining substances raises the risk of harm, especially when the contents of street drugs are unknown.
Salvia divinorum overdose: signs and what to do
Salvia is not known to cause fatal overdose on its own. The main dangers are injuries, accidents, and panic.[1]
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.[1]
- MinutesAfter-effectsDisorientation and confusion fade quickly.
- HoursPossible lingering effectsMild headache or unease.
- DaysNo withdrawalNo withdrawal syndrome is known.
Is salvia divinorum legal in the US? Schedule and legal status
Salvia divinorum and salvinorin A are not federally controlled. The DEA lists them as drugs of concern.[2]
- State law: about 30 states ban or restrict salvia, many as a Schedule I substance, and others set age limits.
Where can someone get help with salvia divinorum use?
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357. Free, confidential, 24 hours a day, in English and Spanish. It gives referrals to local treatment and support.[3]
- FindTreatment.gov: a federal locator for state-licensed treatment programs, searchable by location, payment, and type of care.[4]
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 for a mental health or substance use crisis.
- Your own clinician: a primary care doctor can screen, treat, and refer, and can discuss medicines that support recovery where they exist.
Salvia divinorum legal status in other countries
| 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 |
Laws change and differ in detail. Check current rules before carrying any controlled medicine across a border.[5]
Common 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.
