Subjective effects of Salvia divinorum: LSD- or marijuana-like?
Journal of psychoactive drugs – September 01, 2009
Source: PubMed
Summary
Despite Salvia divinorum's reputation as one of the most potent hallucinogens, new insights challenge common assumptions about its effects. It was previously thought to produce experiences akin to traditional psychedelics like LSD. Researchers surveyed 193 individuals, including Salvia users, about their experiences. Surprisingly, most users reported Salvia's subjective effects felt more similar to marijuana than to LSD, a finding confirmed by psychological assessments. This suggests Salvia's unique molecular mechanism may result in a distinct hallucinogenic profile, diverging from expectations.
Abstract
Salvia divinorum is a naturally occurring psychedelic considered to be one of the most potent hallucinogens found to date. The few behavioral studies conducted conclude that Salvia's effects may be similar to traditional psychedelics, which is noteworthy because Salvia acts via a unique molecular mechanism as a kappa opioid receptor agonist. One hundred and ninety-three participants, including 34 Salvia users, were asked to fill out a series of questionnaires related to general drug use, personality characteristics, demographics and their experiences with Salvia. Salvia users were found to differ from nonusers on personality characteristics and reported consuming significantly more alcohol than nonusers. In addition, although Salvia users rated their hallucinogenic experiences as similar to those seen in previously published reports, the majority likened their experiences as most similar to marijuana instead of more traditional psychedelics. Low scores on the ARCI LSD subscale confirmed this finding and call into question the reigning theory of LSD-like subjective effects elicited by Salvia.