Salvia

Salvia divinorum, often simply referred to as "salvia" is a species of sage belonging to the mint family. While most other mint plants simply offer pleasant flavours, salvia quickly plunges users into an intense state of disorientation and confusion marked by intense hallucinations. Buying salvia won't immerse you in a peaceful state of recreation akin to using cannabis. Rather, only the bravest of psychonauts use this herb to catapult themselves into an intense sensory experience.

The Salvia divinorum plant has a deeply rooted history in the cultural practices of the Mazatec Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico. Here, indigenous people have used the psychedelic plant for centuries in religious ceremonies and healing rituals. Some of these pagan peoples have incorporated elements of Christianity into their world view, and invocate the Virgin Mary and other saints while using the plant. Many psychonauts buy salvia leaves and extracts in hopes of encountering a sense of this traditional use of the botanical.

When you buy salvia divinorum products, you're purchasing leaves or extracts that contain the hallucinogen salvinorin A. As a diterpenoid with the chemical formula C23H28O8, this molecule works partly on the CB1 receptors in the human body, the same site that cannabis-derived THC binds to. This compound also causes dysphoric effects by stopping the release of dopamine in the striatum, an area of the brain involved in decision making, motor control, and emotion.

Before buying salvia products, users should make an effort to determine the legal status of salvia in their country or state. Once freely available in head shops across the Western world, new legislation now restricts the production, sale, possession, and use of the botanical. For example, the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 in the United Kingdom has rendered saliva explicitly prohibited in the interests of public health. While not controlled under federal law and the Drug Enforcement Administration in the United States, its legal status varies from state to state.

It is possible to grow Salvia divinorum as an unusual entheogenic addition to your garden. However, the entheogen requires specific conditions for successful cultivation and is highly sensitive to temperature changes. While growing salvia can be a rewarding experience, buying leaves and extracts provides an easy way to get your hands on this herb.

Salvia divinorum is an extremely potent psychedelic that often produces a more dramatic experience than entheogens such as LSD, DMT, and psilocybin mushrooms. When buying salvia, you must be prepared for intense hallucinogenic effects, as well as more undesirable side effects including:

• Dizziness and poor coordination
• Irregular heartbeat
• Nausea
• Loss of motor control
• Intense anxiety or fear
• Feeling detached from reality

When buying salvia, you should carefully consider the risks involved. The safety of salvia remains a complex issue. Check out some key considerations below:

Lack of research: The lack of research surrounding salvia means researchers don't know the long-term effects or dependency potential of the drug.
Psychological risks: Salvia is an extremely powerful hallucinogen. Much like other psychedelics, the plant can trigger mental health issues in susceptible individuals.
Physical risks: Saliva can cause disorientation, confusion, and impaired motor control, increasing the risk of falls and physical injury.
Cognitive effects: Early research suggests that salvia could have some negative cognitive effects, including learning and memory deficits.

After buying salvia, do all you can to make sure you remain as safe as possible. Check out the tips for use below:

Never use salvia alone: Always ask a close friend to play the role of "trip sitter" when taking saliva. Having somebody close by to calm you down and keep you safe if needed is always a good idea.
Choose a safe environment: Salvia isn't a party drug. When buying and using the plant, make sure you consider set and setting carefully. Consume it in a safe environment where you're unlikely to encounter other people and away from physical hazards.
Start with low doses: Start low and slow when using salvia. This herb is a shock to the system even for seasoned psychedelic users.
Avoid mixing salvia with other substances: Don't mix salvia with any other substances, including other psychedelics, cannabis, or alcohol.
Be aware of contraindications: Because salvia is understudies, there's a possibility it can interact with other drugs and underlying medical conditions.