One type, salvia divinorum, has a substance called salvinorin A that can cause intense psychedelic experiences. Salvinorin A affects structures in the brain called opioid receptors. This makes salvia different from other hallucinogenic drugs like LSD and mushrooms, which affect the brain's levels of a chemical called serotonin.
As a drug, salvia usually comes as fresh green plant leaves or dried shredded green leaves. Salvia can also be a liquid extract. Traditionally, users chewed the fresh salvia leaves or drank the extract, but now people also smoke the dried leaves.
Salvia's effects come on quickly, sometimes in less than a minute. They usually disappear about 30 minutes to an hour later. According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, salvinorin A is the most potent naturally occurring hallucinogen. How salvia acts in the brain is still being studied, but we do know that salvinorin A changes the signaling process of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain by attaching to nerve cell receptors called kappa opioid receptors.
It also influences dopamine receptors in the brain. In the early s, teenagers were recording themselves using salvia and posting videos online some with , views on YouTube. Luckily, salvia has decreased in popularity among teenagers since then. Salvia has traditionally been used by shamans as a healing and divining tool salvia divinorum translates to "sage of the seers". According to Daniel Siebert, who's researched salvia for more than 20 years, the herb was used to induce a visionary trance state that made it possible for these healers to determine the underlying cause of disease and learn what steps to take to remedy it.
At this time, there is no medical use for salvia. Salvia has been reported to cause intense effects, including:. Many of these effects raise a concern about the dangers of driving under the influence of salvia. Additionally, any drug that leaves you incapacitated during the time it's working increases the risk for serious injury in any capacity. It's not clear if there have been any deaths associated with salvia.
The European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction notes that emergency reports have described lasting psychosis in vulnerable people. At least one suicide has been blamed on salvia. The long-term effects of using the drug also aren't known.
However, studies with animals showed that salvia can harm learning and memory. Since teens can access salvia easier than some other types of drugs, it's important for parents to educate themselves and their kids on its potential danger. Also, take note if your loved one is burning incense; which many say is similar to the smell of Magic Mint when smoked. Consider searching for any seeds, leaves, liquid extracts, or drug paraphernalia such as bongs, pipes, or rolling papers.
And don't overlook their digital devices, notes Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, which can contain frequent contacts, messages, or social media posts that indicate the use of salvia once called "TheYouTube" drug. More research is needed to learn about its addictive properties as well as whether it is possible to build tolerance needing more and more to get high and experience symptoms of drug withdrawal.
How long salvia will remain in your body depends on several factors, including dosage, how often you use the drug, your age, weight, and metabolism, as well as your hydration and activity levels. Drug testing for salvia is uncommon and expensive.
While more research is needed on the addiction potential of salvia, your risk may be higher if someone in your family is struggling with a substance use disorder and you are frequently tripping. More research is needed to determine if people who misuse salvia experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping abruptly. If you suspect that your teen is misusing salvia, do your best to spend some time together, watch for any signs of use, and talk openly about the potential dangers of the drug.
While there are no FDA-approved drugs to treat salvia abuse, behavioral therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy CBT has been found effective for people misusing other dissociative drugs. Since there is still more research needed on tolerance and withdrawal, quitting cold turkey may not be your best bet.
If someone is continually using a drug to escape from reality, they likely needs proper medical care to detox safely from the drug and to address any underlying mental health issues. If you find yourself needing to put your loved one into rehab, ask your healthcare provider for suggestions. The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids also has a helpline and tips to ensure families find a reputable addiction treatment center.
Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. United States Drug Enforcement Administration. For example, 0. If you try 10x salvia extract, a safe range may be between 0. How salvinorin A, the active ingredient in salvia, impacts your brain is unclear. Researchers continue to study the drug to better understand its effects. Salvia studies are few and far between, but researchers are looking to better understand how the drug works and what effects it may have on the body and brain.
Because research is limited, the list of possible side effects and risks is short. However, the possible issues are serious and worth consideration. Salvia largely flew under the radar until when a video of pop music star Miley Cyrus made waves on the internet. In the video, the thenyear-old singer and actress was filmed smoking salvia in a water bong.
The video brought the spotlight of attention to this drug, and some state legislators began introducing laws restricting the sale and use of this plant. That means individual state laws apply to salvia but no federal ones. Today, many states have laws on the books that outlaw buying, possessing, or selling salvia.
Some states have age restrictions, and some states outlaw salvia extracts but not the plant. Additionally, talk with your doctor if you try salvia and experience issues or side effects.
If you are growing the plant or have salvia in your home, consider this a drug to be kept from children and pets. This information can help your doctor provide more complete care and watch for complications that may be associated with use. Keeping your doctor in the loop is especially important if you take prescription medications in addition to recreational drugs.
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