Salvia, like every other drug, does have its side effects.
Short-term side effects last about five to 30 minutes and consist of physical effects, according to the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District.
Effects include perceptions of bright lights, vivid colors and body movements.
Uncontrolled laughter, a sense of losing body control, hallucinations, dysphoria and a state of feeling unwell or unhappy, also are included in the short-term effects of using salvia.
Other effects of using salvia include lack of coordination, dizziness and slurred speech.
"After an extensive medical literature review, little information is available regarding the long-term health effects of salvia divinorium," said Dr. Bryan Alsip, assistant director of the Metropolitan Health District. "There are few, if any, reports of addiction to the herb or its derivatives. However, it is considered a drug of concern by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). Salvia has no approved medical use in the U.S."
In an article posted on April 2, 2006, on the Web site USAToday.com, it was reported that 17-year-old Brett Chidester committed suicide and because of the suicide note that he left, his mother, Kathleen Chidester, believes that salvia had something to do with his death.
The suicide note described depressed feelings similar to others who have taken salvia, who have posted their experiences on various salvia Web sites.
However, at the time of this incident, the DEA did not recommend that salvia be banned as a dangerous drug.
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