What are the effects of taking salvia divinorum?

Dear A Curious Reader, 

You’re taking a wise step by reading up on the effects of salvia before using it. Salvia divinorum, or salvia, is an herb that some people use as a hallucinogenic drug. The research on salvia’s effects and risks is limited. However, there are some known negative effects, such as dizziness, tiredness, and psychotic episodes. Read on to learn more about what salvia is, its common effects, and how to control the negative effects. 

What is salvia and why might people take it? 

Salvia is an herb from the mint family. It contains an ingredient called salvinorin A, which is among the most powerful naturally occurring drugs. Even the smallest dosage can typically cause effects. Extractions from its leaves are typically added to pipes, water bongs, drinks, or vaporizer pen to make the drug. These different methods may also affect how people experience it. For example, the effects from chewing it may be milder than if you smoke it.  

Recreationally, people generally take salvia for its intense hallucinogenic effects. These include seeing and hearing things that aren’t real and having an altered perception of reality. Many describe experiencing a quick improvement in mood and feeling of calmness. The effects usually kick in around five to ten minutes after taking salvia. They can last a short period of time, up to several hours. However, the strengths of different batches of salvia vary, and the effects also differ between people.   

What are some negative effects of using salvia? 

Salvia might result in some unpleasant or harmful effects. Some examples of these include: 

• Slurred speech 
• Uncontrollable laughter 
• Anxiety or fear from a “bad trip” 
• Memory problems 
• Psychological symptoms including depression, anxiety, acute psychotic symptoms, paranoia, and panic attacks 
• Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting 
• Problems with motor functions and coordination 
• Tiredness and heaviness of head 
• Irregular heart rate 

List adapted from Healthline and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center 

Having a family history of mental illness or using salvia with other substances (such as alcohol) might make some of these negative effects more likely to occur. 

Is salvia addictive? 

When it comes to addiction and dependence, research has found salvia to be lower compared to other drugs. There’s also little evidence for salvia causing long-term consequences besides interfering with memory and cognitive performance. However, using salvia regularly for long periods of time might lead to withdrawal symptoms. These include anxiety, feeling of uneasiness, becoming irritable, and strong desire for salvia.  

How can you reduce side effects when using salvia? 

If you decide to try it, there are some measures that you may take to reduce potential harmful effects:  

• Take lower doses in the beginning to assess its effect on you 
• Consider what your desired experience is to decide how to use it 
• Consider how your mood and environment might change salvia’s effects 
• Have someone sober to “trip sit” with you to provide any needed help 

List adapted from Alcohol and Drug Foundation 

Overall, while addictive and long-term consequences of salvia use are uncommon, they’re not impossible. For more information about salvia and other hallucinogens, consider browsing the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) website.  

Hopefully this response helps curb your curiosity!