The Controversy Surrounding Salvia

The use of Salvia divinorum, also known as Salvia, “Diviners Sage” or “Sage of the Seers”, the “shepherdess herb”, “Sally-D”, “Ska Pastora”, and “Yerba de Maria”, is just now becoming popular in the modern Western world.  However, as the awareness of this psychoactive plant has risen, so has the controversy surrounding the use of this plant. Although it is not FDA (federal food administration) approved, Salvia is still legal throughout most of the globe, with the exception of a few areas that have regulations surrounding this plant or have made Salvia a “controlled substance”.  This remaining legality surrounding the use, distribution, and purchasing of Salvia is what causes the ongoing controversy.  To understand this controversy, it is wise to consider the effects of using Salvia.

Salvia divinorum is a plant/herb that produces psychedelic effects and/or sensations, which originates from Mexico. Some of the most common side effects associated with Salvia include visions of the past, sensations of movement, sensations of merging with other objects, uncontrolled laughter, un-coordination, and feeling as if you are in a tunnel.  The intensity of these psychedelic effects varies according to the dosage taken, how the Salvia is taken, and the individual.  These very side effects of using Salvia have parents, politicians, and even the media concerned about its usage and the legality of its usage.

Originally, Salvia was used by Shamans in Mexico to help induce visions during healing sessions, which were mainly focused on healing spiritually.  Today, many people use Salvia to help induce more intense meditations, to deepen sensations of being in touch with themselves and the universe, and to enjoy the sometimes calming effect that Salvia can produce.  Yet, some politicians and parents are comparing Salvia to “pot” or “LSD”.  Some people even go as far as to say that Salvia can lead to suicide because one boy in the United States apparently killed himself sometime after experimenting with the psychoactive plant. However, there have never been any findings that Salvia, no matter how it is taken, has any long term effects.  Moreover, through out this controversy as to if Salvia should be made illegal, it is never mentioned the differences between LSD and Salvia.  While there are some similarities, LSD is known to last more than 7 hours; however, Salvia is known to last only a few minutes (when smoked), without any lasting effects.

The controversy still stands, though, as to if the sale and use of Salvia should be made illegal.  Many times though, the people who are aware of this plant are not aware of the facts.  These facts are that Salvia is not known to be addictive, when used in proper dosages there are not any adverse side effects, smoking Salvia is not anymore damaging to your lungs then smoking cigarettes, and, when taken properly (not driving or handling sharp objects while using it) Salvia is not know to be harmful to ones health. While this plant/herb is still be sold and used and as the public becomes more aware of the plant, one can be sure that this controversy will only grow.