There are many breeds of plants known as Salvia that are commercially available in most garden shops in North America, however, the Salvia that most people think of when the name comes up is Salvia Divinorum.
Salvia Divinorum is a small leafy green plant found primarily in the Mazateca region of Mexico. Sometimes called 'diviner's sage' the plant was traditionally used by indigenous peoples as a healing and divinatory aid due to its unique properties when chewed or smoked. When consumed in this manner, the active ingredient, Salvinorin-A produces psychedelic effects in the body ranging from mild to extreme.
Salvia Divinorum was first discovered in the late 1930's by a group of anthropologists studying medicinal and magical cures in Mexico. During their time in the Mazateca region they observed and cataloged many magical plants and remedies, bringing several back to the States to study. Among their discoveries were the use of morning glory seed, several varieties of mushroom and black nightshade.
The plant was rediscovered in the early 1990's by the global underground psychedelic culture and has seen some use and in fame in recent years.
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.
Salvia is most commonly found in leaf(dried) or extract form. Typical dosage is determined by the type and strength of Salvia that you are choosing to do as well as by the method that you are taking it.
Dried leaves are typically smoked and it is hard to determine in advance how potent the leaf is. Leaves tend to have a lesser effect than extracts as extracts are concentrated Salvinorum- A.
Dosage for smoking an average potency leaf is as follows: Light: 1/4 of a gram to 1/2 a gram. Medium: 1/2 - 3/4 gram Heavy: 3/4 gram or more.
Please do remember that your body will not normally build up a tolerance to Salvinorum- A and that you should moderate your doses if you plan on doing more than one in a sitting.
Leaves can also be chewed similar to chewing tabac with dried leaves being moistened in water before chewing. The leaves are kept between the lip and the gum to increase absorption and the juices are swallowed.
Typical dosage for chewed leaves:
light: 10 g fresh/ 2 grams dried Medium: 30 g fresh/ 6 g dried Heavy: 50 g fresh / 10 g dried
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.
Dosage for smoking typical 5x extract:
Light: 1/20 to 1/10th of a gram Medium: 1/15th to 1/6th of a gram Heavy: 1/8th to 1/4 of a gram.
For more powerful extracts scale your dosage up according with a light 5x dose being a medium 10x dose.
Salvia is considered a controlled substance in the following states: Delaware, Louisiana, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee.
While other the legality of the substance in other states is not known at this time, Salvia is not approved for consumption by the FDA.
Salvia is also considered a controlled substance in the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Sweden.
Other countries may also have law surrounding of possessing the plant or its products. As such please do be careful and research the local laws and regulations.
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