Salvia used by the Mazatec people of Mexico for traditional spiritual practices. In the 1990s it came to the US and was used as an alternative to marijuana. While Salvia is legal, it is not classified as a drug but as an herbal, it is a psychoactive herb. It belongs to the mint family.
Common street names for Salvia include:
- Magic Mint
- Diviner’s sage
- Lady Salvia
- Sally-D
Those are just a few.
How is Salvia used and what does it do
Salvia is used by chewing it, smoking it, or vaporizing it. People, who use Salvia, experience a similar effect to that of LSD. It gives the user hallucinations of sight and sound. In fact, some users say it is a 20-minute acid trip.
Effects from Salvia include the following:
- seeing alterations of lights, colors, and unusual shapes and patterns
- cartoon-like imagery
- enhanced disposition
- a disconnected feeling from one’s self and the situation
- irrepressible laughing
- recalling memories from childhood
- feelings of moving
- chattiness
- merging with or becoming objects
- misrepresentation of time and space
- out-of-body experiences
- the feeling of contact with entities or other dimensions
- a sense of anxiety
- loses touch with reality
Risk and side effects
The side effects and risk of Salvia include:
- Upset stomach
- Faintness
- Loss of dexterity
- Trouble concentrating
- Misunderstanding
- Garbled speech
- Weariness
- Loss of memory
- Blushing
- Spatio-temporal dislocation, ( feeling of being transferred to an alternative time and place, or of being in several places at the same time)
For vulnerable people, this saptio-temporal dislocation can be frightening.
At this time there are no medical uses of Salvia nor does it seem to have the effect of a hangover. There is more research to be done on this herb not only for medical value but for the long term effects and if it is addicting for more than a few.
Because it is not designated as an illegal drug it does not carry any punishment for having or using it. As far as your health, again there needs to be more research done but remember the teen’s brain is not fully developed until about 25. Without research, there is no way of knowing what it is doing to your brain.
Until more research and studies are done into the long term effects, including addiction, it is probably wise to discuss the possible issues with your teens. Simply because something is legal does not mean it is good for you or does not have unintended consequences on a person’s health. Not to mention it could lead to other substances being used.
At 449 Recovery, it is our goal to help each client overcome all the challenges on the road to recovery. We provide an environment that is safe and will encourage recovery. We provide monitored detoxification, in conjunction with long term treatment programs at 449 Recovery are provided in a caring and structured atmosphere. If you are ready to begin your journey to recovery please give us a call at (855) 435-7449 today!