r/Drugs AMA series: Salvia divinorum ("salvia")
Research chemicals as a whole may have more votes in our poll of redditors, but since we're focusing on individual drugs, today's AMA will be about a strange and powerful psychedelic plant called salvia divinorum.
Though its usage may date back hundreds of years, possibly even back to the Aztecs, it has only recently come into the public eye, thanks to sensational news reports, a plethora of YouTube videos and usage by at least one pop star.
First synthesis: Evolved (or was possibly cultivated) to its current form. Salvinorin A, the active chemical in salvia, was first synthesized in 2007 by a group of Harvard chemists.
Intended use: None. The only uses currently are as an entheogen and recreational drug.
Current research into medical applications: None, though some research is being conducted to determine the nature of salvia's effects.
Legality: Far too convoluted to summarize here. Have a look at this wiki page.
Dependence vs. Active Dose/Lethal Dose
Posted Aug 16, 2011, 7:40 PM UTC · edited