Salvia divinorum contains salvinorin A which will activate the opioid receptors in the brain. However, unlike most other psychedelics salvinorin A has an effect on the kappa(1) opioid receptor. The effect on this specific receptor can be experienced as hallucionogenic however also can be exprienced as not being pleasant in a lot of cases. This also explains why Salvia divinorum can’t be compared to other psychedelics: it simply doesn’t activate the same opioid receptors as for example Magic Mushrooms, Magic Truffles, LSD, etc.
About 10% of the users of Salvia divinorum claims to not feel (many) effects when having consumed Salvia divinorum. This is because of the fact that about ten percent of all people simply aren’t sensitive to salvinorin.
When Salvia divinorum is smoked the effects will usually be very heavy but will last for about 5 to 20 minutes. After these 20 minutes you can however have the feeling of the effects of Salvia divinorum for a couple of more hours till it totally fades. But when Salvia divinorum is taken through oral consumption the effects won’t be as strong but will last longer. In some cases hours, but most users claim it will be over its peak in about 1 to 2 hours.
The SALVIA experiential scale
(S)ubtle Effects, Level 1
Feeling slight and subtle effects. It will give you a ‘weird’ feeling but that’s about it. Minor effects are noticeable such as a relaxed feeling and being very focused.
(A)ltered Perception, Level 2
The effects will now definitely be noticeable although can’t be called a heavy trip. Thoughts as well as sensory patterns will be slightly altered. Things such as music will sound more rich and deeper. Colors will be more vivid as well and textures can be better percepted. It can also have slight effects on the memory of a person.
(L)ight Visionary State, Level 3
This is when a person will notice minor hallucionations. This can be both aural as well as visual. Envision this being like the thoughts and hallucinations you can have just before falling asleep. Repeating patterns can be percepted like geometric designs and combinations of abstract shapes and colors. You’ll still have a firm grasp on reality at in this level 3 state.
(V)ivid Visionary State, Level 4
When reaching a level 4 trip you’ll notice the same effects as a level 3 trip only much fuller, more noticeable, even more concrete and lasting longer. In a level 3 trip you’ll often notice 2D patterns and geometric designs but when in a level 4 trip you’ll see these patterns being in 3D. Even when you close your eyes these patterns will keep being there and it will take you further from reality as in a level 3 trip. It’s definitely possible having the feeling being in a dream like environment. It’s also possible to encounter alien-like beings, have visions of strange beings and seeing different landscapes forming from the environment you’re in. Best thing on how to cope with such a trip is by sitting back, closing your eyes and enjoy the trip which can be fun but also scary.
(I)mmaterial Existance, Level 5
A level 5 trip will be a step out of this world. You’ll have a totally different perception of the environment your in or you can be in a totally different environment in your mind. You will still be able to connect to yourself and have thoughts but the strong will begin to be so strong that you will be overpowered by the effects of Salvia. Your sensory and conciousness environment will totally be distorted and it’s possible you’ll be in a dream like state. You’ll have no connection with the world around you and little control over what you’re actually doing. It’s even possible you feel like you’re becoming some kind of object when experiencing a level 5 trip.
It’s very dangerous to be caught in a level 5 trip with no tripsitter around since you won’t be able to control what you’re physicially doing in this stage. The change of becoming injured if not havin a trip sitter near you in this stage is quite high!
(A)mnesic Effects, Level 6
This sixth and highest level you can reach. This is when things can get dangerous. You’ll have no control about yourself what so ever. You can fall down, trash around, scream or shout hocus pocus incomprehensible words and noises. This is also dangerous for the trip sitter since the user has no control over him/herself. The user wil also feel no pain which makes it dangerous as well. Since you also lose all of your memory of the trip this is a level you really won’t enjoy. even heavy users don’t consider this as being a nice trip.
Some of the effects that you can experience while under the influence of Salvia divinorum:
Be sure to always have a trip sitter near you when taking Salvia. This is not a substance you want to use on your own. Make sure to check the warnings about the use of Salvia!