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Salvia
A Mexican plant with leaves containing psychoactive chemicals that produce hallucinations when chewed or smoked
Quick Look
How the drug works varies from person to person
How you might feel
Effects on your body
Common risks
What does it look like?
Salvia is sold in dried leaf form.
It is sold on the internet and in headshops as ‘herbal ecstasy’, salvia is one of a number of substances marketed as a ‘herbal high’.
Salvia is sold in dried leaf form. It is either chewed or smoked.
How does it make you feel?
Although salvia has been around for hundreds of years, there has been very little research carried out into its effects.
Depending on dosage, experiences can vary from the fairly mild to full blown with psychedelic hallucinations.
It can provide enjoyable hallucinations.
At higher doses users can experience dramatic time distortion, vivid imagery and scary hallucinations.
How long the effects last and the drug stays in your system depends on how much you’ve taken, your size and what other drugs you may have also taken.
Physical health risks
Taking salvia does involve risks.
Here’s what it could do to you:
- Throat and lung irritation, headaches and mild irritability have been reported after using salvia.
- Most physical harms resulting from using salvia occur as a result of people injuring themselves when under the influence of salvia, rather than salvia directly causing harm.
Mental health risks
There is some concern that salvia could trigger psychotic episodes, particularly in young people and people with previous history of, or a family history of, mental health problems.
Can you get addicted?
Salvia is not known to be either physically addictive or to cause psychological dependence.
Class: Psychoactive Substances
- Some volatile substances are covered by the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act, which means it’s illegal to give away or sell.
- There’s no penalty for possession, unless you’re in prison.
- Supply and production can get you up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
Like drink-driving, driving when high is dangerous and illegal. If you’re caught driving under the influence, you may receive a heavy fine, driving ban, or prison sentence.
If the police catch people supplying illegal drugs in a home, club, bar or hostel, they can potentially prosecute the landlord, club owner or any other person concerned in the management of the premises.