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Salvia is part of a large genus of plants in the mint family, including the herb, sage. There are about 1,000 species of salvia. Most are used as ornamental plants for gardens and landscaping; some in America are popular for attracting hummingbirds or butterflies. But
one species - salvia
divinorum
– is better known for its chemical properties than its beauty. It originated in
Mexico, where it has been used for healing and divination.
The active component of
salvia D has been identified
In the U.S. it
is also known under a variety of knicknames, like
Maria Pastora, Sage of the
Seers, Diviner’s Sage, Salvia, Sally-D, and Magic Mint.
In Western culture, it became popular for its hallucinogenic effects in the
90s. Use for this purpose in the United States is most popular with
teens and young adults.
Users who videotape their experiences and post them on YouTube and other
Internet sites are spreading awareness of salvia’s properties faster among the
younger crowd.
Identifying characteristics
Legality
Salvia D is legal on the federal level, but there is a growing movement to
regulate it because of its potential danger. A number of states either have or
are considering restrictions on the sale, possession or use of the plant and
salvinorin A. In some, people are allowed to have the plant as long as it is
not intended for consumption. In others, the plants are legal but
extract-enhanced leaves are not, while Maine only prohibits possession by
minors. Illinois has made it a schedule I controlled substance. Lawmakers in
several other states are considering bills that seek to ban salvia
divinorum. Internationally, salvinorin A and/or Salvia divinorum have been placed under regulatory controls in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Spain, and Sweden
Effects One survey of 500 users self-reported lingering after effects from salvia D. Some of the effects included ‘weird’ thoughts, increased sweating, dizziness, lack of coordination, heart racing, anxiety, chills, irritability, nausea, diarrhea, muscle cramps/aches, worsened mood and decreased self-confidence. One thing to note about salvia D: People who believe using salvia D could be a replacement for marijuana have found the high unpleasant.
Dangers The White House Drug Policy cautions that hallucinogens – including LSD, angel dust, and salvia D - can cause “powerful distortions in perception and thinking. Intense and often unpredictable emotional reactions can trigger panic attacks or psychotic reaction. An overdose of hallucinogens can cause heart failure, lung failure, coma, and death.” Even those who sell salvia D warn users to be cautious. Many sites “strongly recommend” that people planning to use the substance enlist a non-using friend to watch over them (a sitter) to make sure they don’t hurt themselves or someone else. Users have developed a rating scale to rank the affects of salvia D. The SALVIA experiential rating scale runs from “S” (1) for subtle effects through “A” (6) for amnesic effects. At this stage either consciousness is lost; or at least the user is unable to later recall what was experienced. The individual may fall, or remain immobile or thrash around; somnambulistic behavior may occur; injuries can be sustained without pain being felt; on awakening the individual will have no recollection of what he/she did, experienced or said. After the initial high, effects of the plant may linger for hours. A person driving in this state puts himself and the public at risk; even simple, everyday tasks around the home can be dangerous as the user may fluctuate between delusions and lucidity. Salvia D and salvinorin A are not meant for human consumption, so they are not subject to standards, oversight or quality control. Users have no guarantee that what they are purchasing is a pure product, the strength of the drug or if it is tainted with other drugs or chemicals. Researchers are studying reports of users suffering flashbacks from salvia D use, as well as suspicions tying the drug to suicidal ideation.
Action Plan In
addition to watching for the common signs of drug use in their children, parents
concerned about possible salvia D use should: Check your child’s Internet use history for sites focused on drug use and/or selling salvia. Watch for paraphernalia associated with use, specifically bongs or drug vaporizers for smoking salvia. Please call the PVPS S.A.F.E. Prevention Counselor at your child’s school if you have more questions or concerns. Resources: |
2000
Prairie View Prevention Services, Inc.
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