The Salvia Divinorum plant was originally native to parts of Oaxaca, Mexico. Easily identified by its large green leaves, square stems, and white flowers, it became known as Diviner' s Sage due to its use ![180px-Salvia_divinorum_-_Herba_de_Maria[1]](http://drvitelli.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834523c1e69e2010536a149f6970b-320wi)
by local shamans. By crushing juice from Salvia leaves, shamans could brew a tea that they used in traditional "vision quests".
It wasn' t until the 1990s when scientific analysis of Salvia plants determined that they were rich in a naturally occurring hallucinogenic known as Salvinorin A. Extremely potent even at low doses, salvia divinorum (more commonly known as Salvia) has gained popularity due to its intense "peak" lasting for a few minutes and quick return to normalcy after 20 minutes. The lack of aftereffects, versatility (it can be smoked, chewed, or used as a tincture), and low toxicity has ensured its widespread use
Salvia fans have praised its psychedelic properties and pushed for greater availability. Despite concerns about taking Salvia in concentrated form, Internet advocacy sites provide extensive advice on its use and even played up its therapeutic potential. Due to its recent introduction, Salvia remains legal in most parts of the world although this appears to be changing quickly. Increasing media attention (including YouTube videos of teenagers getting "high" on Salvia) has raised alarm over its widespread use and legal status.
A Delaware statute declaring Salvia a Schedule 1 prohibited substance was passed in 2006. Titled "Brett' s Law", the statute was signed into law after the suicide of a Delaware teenager which was linked to Salvia use. Other states are pushing for similar legislation as well as regulation at the federal level. While Salvia remains legal in most jurisdictions, the backlash against its recreational use appears to be growing.
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The Salvia Divinorum plant was originally native to parts of Oaxaca, Mexico. Easily identified by its large green leaves, square stems, and white flowers, it became known as Diviner' s Sage due to its use![180px-Salvia_divinorum_-_Herba_de_Maria[1]](http://drvitelli.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834523c1e69e2010536a149f6970b-320wi)
by local shamans. By crushing juice from Salvia leaves, shamans could brew a tea that they used in traditional "vision quests".
It wasn' t until the 1990s when scientific analysis of Salvia plants determined that they were rich in a naturally occurring hallucinogenic known as Salvinorin A. Extremely potent even at low doses, salvia divinorum (more commonly known as Salvia) has gained popularity due to its intense "peak" lasting for a few minutes and quick return to normalcy after 20 minutes. The lack of aftereffects, versatility (it can be smoked, chewed, or used as a tincture), and low toxicity has ensured its widespread use
Salvia fans have praised its psychedelic properties and pushed for greater availability. Despite concerns about taking Salvia in concentrated form, Internet advocacy sites provide extensive advice on its use and even played up its therapeutic potential. Due to its recent introduction, Salvia remains legal in most parts of the world although this appears to be changing quickly. Increasing media attention (including YouTube videos of teenagers getting "high" on Salvia) has raised alarm over its widespread use and legal status.
A Delaware statute declaring Salvia a Schedule 1 prohibited substance was passed in 2006. Titled "Brett' s Law", the statute was signed into law after the suicide of a Delaware teenager which was linked to Salvia use. Other states are pushing for similar legislation as well as regulation at the federal level. While Salvia remains legal in most jurisdictions, the backlash against its recreational use appears to be growing.