Clinical and Pharmacological, Forensic and Pharmaceutical Profile of Hallucinogenic Sage Salvia Divinorum: Regulatory Restrictions, Internet Accessibility to Consumers, Risks to Public Health in Italy
SSP Modern Pharmacy and Medicine May 25, 2026 Nadiia Kutsenko
Salvia divinorum and its active compound Salvinorin A pose high toxicological risk, rapid psychotropic action, and legal control difficulties. Their availability online and in informal markets, combined with a perception as natural products, challenges public health, forensic practice, and regulators. The rapid onset of effects, unpredictable behavioral reactions, and difficulty detecting use via routine toxicology increase their relevance for medico-pharmaceutical law and forensic pharmacy. Italy's experience and the new EUDA mandate show that effective counteraction requires legislative control, forensic pharmaceuticals, digital market monitoring, prevention, early-warning systems, public education, and health system preparedness. Cross-border distribution, internet promotion, and misleading marketing as harmless herbal products need attention. An integrated approach can reduce misuse, improve detection, and strengthen cooperation among healthcare, law enforcement, forensic experts, and regulators.