"Quite a Profoundly Strange Experience": An Analysis of the Experiences of Salvia divinorum Users.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2016
Source: PubMed
Summary
Many describe salvia as a "profoundly strange experience." Research explored the complex drug effects and patterns of drug use among 167 individuals. Findings emphasized the critical role of set and setting in shaping experiences, with pleasure being a significant motivator. Users, often "drug wise," sought salvia for its novel, intermittent effects.
Abstract
Salvia divnorum (an intense hallucinogen) is currently illegal in New Zealand under the 2014 Psychoactive Substances Amendment Act. Despite this, there is a scarcity of research surrounding Salvia divinorum and its effects in a New Zealand context. To explore the experiences of Salvia divinorum users, an anonymous questionnaire was advertised through flyers placed in locations where young adults congregate. A total of 393 people took part in the online questionnaire in 2010-2011, while salvia was legally available in New Zealand; 167 respondents had used salvia. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the resulting open-ended questionnaire data and three key themes were identified: the effects of salvia; the importance of set and setting; salvia use and pleasure/not-pleasure. Recreational use of salvia was situated within a broader drug landscape, with participants being drug experienced and "drug wise" (Measham, Aldridge, and Parker 2001). Use of salvia also appeared to be intermittent, with its use referred to as a novel experience. Thus, the recent criminalization of salvia under the 2014 Act may see a significant decline in use as experienced drug users look elsewhere for novel drug experiences.