DEA/OD/ODE
Introduction:
Salvia divinorum
is a perennial herb in the mint family native to certain areas of the Sierra
Mazateca region of Oaxaca, Mexico. The plant, which can grow to over three
feet in height, has large green leaves, hollow square stems and white flowers
with purple calyces, can also be grown successfully outside of this region.
Salvia divinorum has been used by the Mazatec Indians for its ritual
divination and healing. The active constituent of Salvia divinorum has
been identified as salvinorin A. Currently, neither Salvia divinorum
nor any of its constituents, including salvinorin A, are controlled under the
federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
Licit Uses:
Neither Salvia divinorum nor its
active constituent salvinorin A has an approved medical use in the U.S.
Chemistry and Pharmacology:
Salvinorin A, also called Divinorin A,
is believed to be the ingredient responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of
Salvia divinorum. Chemically, it is a neoclerodane diterpene found
primarily in the leaves, and to a lesser extent in the stems. Although several
other substances have been isolated from the plant, none have been shown to be
psychoactive.
In the U.S., plant material is typically
either chewed or smoked. When chewed, the leaf mass and juice are maintained
within the cheek area with absorption occurring across the lining of the oral
mucosa (buccal). Effects first appear within 5 to 10 minutes. Dried leaves, as
well as extract-enhanced leaves purported to be enriched with salvinorin A,
are also smoked. Smoking pure salvinorin A, at a dose of 200-500 micrograms,
results in effects within 30 seconds and lasts about 30 minutes.
A limited number of studies have
reported the effects of using either plant material or salvinorin A. Psychic
effects include perceptions of bright lights, vivid colors and shapes, as well
as body movements and body or object distortions. Other effects include
dysphoria, uncontrolled laughter, a sense of loss of body, overlapping
realities, and hallucinations (seeing objects that are not present). Adverse
physical effects may include incoordination, dizziness, and slurred speech.
Scientific studies show that salvinorin
A is a potent and selective kappa opioid receptor agonist. Other drugs that
act at the kappa opioid receptor also produce hallucinogenic effects and
dysphoria similar to that produced by salvinorin A. Salvinorin A does not
activate the serotonin 2A receptor, which mediates the effects of other
schedule I hallucinogens.
Illicit Uses:
Salvinorin A and Salvia
divinorum products are abused for their ability to evoke hallucinogenic
effects, which, in general, are similar to those of other scheduled
hallucinogenic substances.
User Population:
According to a National Survey on Drug
Use and Health Report published by SAMHSA in February 2008, it is estimated
that 1.8 million persons aged 12 or older used Salvia divinorum in their
lifetime, a approximately 750,000 did so in the past year. Use was more common
among young adults (18 to 25 years old) as opposed to older adults (>26
years of age). Young adults were 3 times more likely than youths aged 12 to 17
to have used Salvia divinorum in the past year. Use is more
common in males than females.
Illicit Distribution:
Salvia divinorum
is grown domestically and imported from Mexico and Central and South America.
The Internet is used for the promotion and distribution of Salvia divinorum.
It is sold as seeds, plant cuttings, whole plants, fresh and dried leaves,
extract-enhanced leaves of various strengths (e.g., 5x, 10x, 20x, 30x), and
liquid extracts purported to contain salvinorin A. These products are also
sold at local shops (e.g., head shops and tobacco shops).
Control Status:
Salvia divinorum
and salvinorin A are not currently controlled under the CSA. However, a number
of states have placed controls on Salvia divinorum and/or salvinorin A.
As of November 2008, thirteen states have enacted legislation placing
regulatory controls on Salvia divinorum and/or salvinorin A. Delaware,
Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and
Virginia have placed Salvia divinorum and/or salvinorin A into schedule
I of state law. California, Louisiana, Maine and Tennessee enacted other forms
of legislation restricting the distribution of the plant. States in which
legislative bills proposing regulatory controls died are Alabama, Alaska,
Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, South Carolina, and Utah.
Legislative bills proposing regulatory controls are pending in Michigan, New
Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.
Salvinorin A and/or Salvia divinorum have
been placed under regulatory controls in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Italy, Japan, Spain, and Sweden.
Comments and additional information are welcomed by the
Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, FAX 202-353-1263 or telephone
202-307-7183.