The primary active hallucinogenic chemical is known as Salvinorin-A, but Salvia contains other diterpenes, Salvinorins B-F and Divinatorins A-C. Salvinorin A is the most potent naturally-occurring hallucinogen known, active at 200µg parenterally. Recent research has shown that Salvinorin A is a selective agonist of the kappa opioid receptors, a receptor class largely ignored by other known hallucinogenic compounds although several kappa-agonist drugs are used in the medical field. It is unknown at this time whether the powerful effects of S. divinorum can be attributed in whole (or even in part) to kappa agonoism.
Currently, neither Salvia divinorum nor any of its constituents, including salvinorin A, are controlled under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
Effects
Most users find that the effects of salvinorin are not very conducive to socializing or getting high at parties; in fact, while under the influence most people tend to find any external stimuli distracting.
Salvia is what is normally called a 'strong psychedelic'. When smoked, Salvia has an onset time of about 20 seconds to two minutes. Peak experiences will usually be achieved within this time, but depending on the size of the dose and the individual, peaks can take up to 5 minutes to occur. The primary effects of the drug last anywhere from 5- 15 minutes during which the user goes through a 'psychedelic' experience. Psychedelic experiences can normally include closed and open eye visualizations, time distortion, social dissociation, altered thought patterns, altered behavior, dreamlike/childlike states, increased in sensations, changes in body temperature, senses of fear or panic, increased perspiration, introspection, feelings of presences outside the norm as well as feeling like one has traveled 'somewhere' or 'somewhen' else. Salvia unlike many psychedelic tends to have a much shorter duration with 'long' trips tending to last a little under an hour, although some after effects may be felt up to an additional hour later.
As with all psychedelics, the effects of Salvia are largely dependant on the dosage, individual and often the environment. Further as Salvinorin-A does not currently appear to have a 'tolerance' effect, multiple uses of the drug can extend or amplify an episode. Always have a sober sitter and know your limits. Further, if you have a history of mental illness in your family, extreme caution should be used.
Typical dosage for chewed leaves:
Light dose = 10 g fresh/ 2 grams dried
Medium dose = 30 g fresh/ 6 g dried
Heavy dose = 50 g fresh / 10 g dried
Dosage for smoking extract:
Extracts are a little different. Typical extracts come in 5x 10x 15x and 20x potencies. This is refined Salvinorum -A - A and will have a bit more kick than your typical dried leaf.
5X:
Light Dose = 1/20 to 1/10th of a gram
Medium Dose = 1/15th to 1/6th of a gram
Heavy: 1/8th to 1/4 of a gram.
10x:
When moving up from 5x to 10 , expect more effect from a smaller dose.
Medium: 1/20 to 1/10th of a gram Heavy: 1/15th to 1/6th of a gram
Useful Links:
Salvia Divinorum Users Guide |
