A majority of websites selling or promoting Salvia divinorum, a potent hallucinogen legal in most U.S. states, present misleading or false information about the drug's safety. About 58% of sites offered the drug for sale or linked to sellers, and 78% advocated for its use. Many sites erroneously interpreted the lack of scientific data on side effects as proof that no side effects exist. The online availability and promotion resemble those of other abused drugs, but far less is known about Salvia's short- and long-term effects, leaving little evidence to counter the pro-use claims. This has implications for drug policy, prevention, and treatment.
Over a 25-month period starting in March 2003, researchers conducted eight Google searches using the term 'psilocybin spores' and scored the first 100 nonsponsored links from each search. Of the 800 links examined, 58% led to websites offering to sell psilocybin spores, and some sites also offered whole Psilocybe mushrooms. The authors did not verify whether the marketed products were genuine. The findings indicate that psilocybin and its spores are widely available for purchase online, which may facilitate illicit use of this potent psychoactive substance. Further studies are needed to determine whether advertised products are actually delivered.