Internet access to Salvia divinorum: implications for policy, prevention, and treatment.
Journal of substance abuse treatment – July 01, 2008
Source: PubMed
Summary
Over half of websites selling Salvia divinorum, a potent, often legal hallucinogen, also advocate its use, frequently with misleading claims. An investigation into online availability revealed 58% of sites offered the drug or linked to sellers, while 78% encouraged use. Many wrongly interpret limited scientific data as proof of no side effects. This online landscape, mirroring illicit drug promotion, underscores vital needs for informed policy, prevention, and treatment.
Abstract
This study determined the degree to which Salvia divinorum, a potent hallucinogenic drug that is legal in most U.S. jurisdictions, is being proffered for sale over the Internet and how it is being characterized on popular Web sites. Search results revealed that between one half and two thirds (58%) of the Web sites either offered to sell S. divinorum or linked to other Web sites offering to sell the drug and that more than three quarters (78%) of the Web sites advocated for its use. Many of the statements issued on the Web sites were erroneous or falsely interpreted the absence of scientific data on the possible side effects of S. divinorum as evidence that no side effect exists. The portrayal and availability of S. divinorum on the Internet are similar to those of other illicit and prescription drugs of abuse. However, much less is known about the short- and long-term effects of this novel drug. Consequently, there is little basis to contradict the many Web sites that encourage its use. Implications for drug policy, prevention, and treatment are discussed.