Chapter 68 - Behavioral and Psychological Effects of Salvia divinorum: A Focus on Self-Reported Subjective Acute Behavioral Effects and Laboratory Studies

Abstract

Salvia divinorum is a plant used as a recreational hallucinogen that is legally available in many states and countries. Salvia divinorum is not a popular substance of abuse, is rarely used frequently or regularly, and is used primarily out of curiosity, for interest in altered states of consciousness and for spiritual purposes. Smoking commercially available Salvia divinorum produces rapid onset and short duration of intense subjective effects (5–15min), with few effects lasting more than 24h after use. Preliminary evidence suggests that acute inhalation may lead to transient and reversible verbal learning memory deficits, but does not affect verbal working memory. Research subjects do not report euphoria or craving to use, and do not seek out Salvia divinorum, subsequent to experimental exposure. Large surveys have found little or no associations between Salvia divinorum use and adverse events, although Salvia divinorum use is correlated with use of other recreational substances, particularly hallucinogens and cannabis.