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Salvia divinorum

Synonyms The most common synonyms are:
  • Maria pastora, Magic mint, Purple sticky, Sally D, Diviner's sage, Holy sage.
Classification Hallucinogen:
  • Causes users to see, hear or feel things that do not exist.
Visual description
  • Salvia divinorum is a plant that belongs to the mint family and is native to Mexico.
  • Used in its plant form (fresh or dried leaves) or as a white powder.
Mechanism of action
  • Highly selective kappa opioid receptor agonist (KOR).
Routes of administration
  • Inhalation: (the most common) Dried leaves or an extract of salvinorin A (the main active ingredient) are smoked.
  • Sublingual: The leaves are chewed and placed under the tongue.

Effects sought out by the user

  • Analgesia
  • Delirium
  • Distorted perceptions
  • Dysphoria
  • Out-of-body experiences
  • Sedation
  • Synesthesia (crossing of 2 or more senses)
  • Users become indifferent to their surroundings
  • Vivid hallucinations
Toxic effects
Mild intoxication Moderate intoxication Severe intoxication
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Bradycardia
  • Hallucinations
  • Headache
  • Incoordination
  • Shivering
  • Slurred speech
  • Sweating
  • Vertigo
  • Vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Dysphoria
  • Irresponsible behaviour
  • Loss of short-term memory
  • Unconsciousness

Effects associated with chronic use

  • Continuous exposure causes aversion, which deters users.

Addiction

Rarely observed.

Withdrawal

Headache, drowsiness.

Onset and duration of action
Route of administration Onset of action Duration of psychotropiceffect
Inhaled < 30=""> 5 to 10 minutes, then wears off after 20 to 30 minutes
Sublingual 5 to 10 minutes 1 hour then wears off after 1 hour

Intoxication management

  • No antidote available.
  • Treatment is mainly symptomatic.
Many different street drugs are sold under the same name. Furthermore, nothing guarantees the quantity, purity or even the content of a street drug in spite of the fact that it may, in some cases, look like medication.

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The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.

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