College student use of Salvia divinorum.

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Salvia divinorum (salvia) is a plant that appears to be enjoying increased popularity as a legal hallucinogen in many U.S. jurisdictions. While the popular press has claimed that its use has become widespread, there have been no epidemiological studies published documenting this within the U.S. A sample of college students was randomly drawn from a large public university in the southwestern U.S. and invited to participate in an online survey that included salvia use among a set of other drug use items. From the sample of 1516 college student respondents, a pattern of use emerged that indicates that salvia is indeed becoming a significant member of the list of drugs used, with 4.4% of students reporting using salvia at least once within the past 12 months. Subpopulations that are typically most at risk for drug use within college students (Whites, males, fraternity members, heavy episodic drinkers) also were most likely to use salvia. The results indicate that more research is needed to determine the generalizability of these findings, and identify whether there are any negative consequences experienced either by the user or the community associated with this drug.