Subjective effects of Salvia divinorum: LSD- or marijuana-like?
Dawn N Albertson, Laura E Grubbs
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs September 1, 2009 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2009.10400531 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 193 |
| Population | Participants including 34 Salvia users and 159 nonusers |
| Topics | Salvia divinorum Cannabis LSD |
| Keywords | Psychoactive plant Hallucinogen research Psychedelic studies Drug studies Psychoactive drug research Drug effects research Subjective drug effects User experience Drug perception Cannabis-like effects Marijuana comparison LSD Comparison |
| Citations | 29 |
| Key findings | Salvia users rated their experiences as most similar to marijuana rather than traditional psychedelics, challenging the theory of LSD-like subjective effects. |
Abstract
Salvia divinorum is a naturally occurring psychedelic considered to be one of the most potent hallucinogens found to date. The few behavioral studies conducted conclude that Salvia's effects may be similar to traditional psychedelics, which is noteworthy because Salvia acts via a unique molecular mechanism as a kappa opioid receptor agonist. One hundred and ninety-three participants, including 34 Salvia users, were asked to fill out a series of questionnaires related to general drug use, personality characteristics, demographics and their experiences with Salvia. Salvia users were found to differ from nonusers on personality characteristics and reported consuming significantly more alcohol than nonusers. In addition, although Salvia users rated their hallucinogenic experiences as similar to those seen in previously published reports, the majority likened their experiences as most similar to marijuana instead of more traditional psychedelics. Low scores on the ARCI LSD subscale confirmed this finding and call into question the reigning theory of LSD-like subjective effects elicited by Salvia.