Salvia divinorum is a potent, short-acting hallucinogenic plant increasingly used by adolescents in the United States, yet its effects have been poorly documented. By systematically observing 34 unedited YouTube videos capturing the entire drug experience, trained raters recorded 42 effects at 30-second intervals. Onset of symptoms was rapid, often within 30 seconds, and effects typically dissipated within 8 minutes. Higher doses were associated with longer effect duration. The observations provide a look at users in a non-laboratory setting, showing impairments and behaviors consistent with a powerful hallucinogen. The study also demonstrates both the feasibility and limitations of using YouTube videos to assess emerging drugs and their effects.
Salvia divinorum, a plant used as a legal hallucinogen in many U.S. states, is becoming more popular among college students. In a survey of 1,516 students at a large public university in the southwestern U.S., 4.4% reported using salvia at least once in the past year. The groups most likely to use salvia were those already at higher risk for drug use: White students, males, fraternity members, and heavy episodic drinkers. The authors call for more research to see if these findings apply elsewhere and to identify any negative effects from the drug.