The Salvia divinorum Research and Information Center - Shroomery

How to achieve effects from smoked Salvia divinorum.
How to achieve effects from
smoked
Salvia divinorum
(This site is created and maintained by Daniel Siebert)
Many people find it difficult to achieve a satisfactory level of effects from the leaf in its natural state.
Here's why: The active principal of Salvia divinorum is a diterpenoid compound called salvinorin-A. The
average concentration of salvinorin-A in Salvia divinorum leaves is 2.5 mg per gram. A moderate
smoked dose of salvinorin-A for a person of average sensitivity is 0.5 mg. Therefore, in theory 200 mg
(1/5 gram) of Salvia divinorum leaves contains enough salvinorin-A to produce moderate effects. In
practice however, one should assume about twice this dose (i.e. 400 mg, or 2/5 gram), because some
salvinorin-A is probably decomposed during burning, some is lost in smoke that escapes during smoking,
and some is not fully absorbed in the lungs and is thus lost upon exhaling.
400 mg. of Salvia divinorum leaves produces a fair amount of smoke, and it takes several large lungfulls
to inhale it all. Because salvinorin-A is rapidly metabolized in the body, it is essential that the full dose
be ingested within a 2 - 3 minute period. It is also essential that the smoke is absorbed as efficiently as
possible, otherwise much of it will be wasted. People vary in their ability to inhale and retain large
amounts of smoke. Some people have no trouble achieving strong effects smoking ordinary leaves;
others find it very difficult.
The potency of Salvia divinorum leaves is somewhat variable. So far, no one has identified the specific
environmental factors responsible for this. Obviously, it is easier to achieve effects when using leaves of
higher potency.
People vary in their sensitivity to salvinorin-A. Some people are highly sensitive and have no difficulty
achieving a profound level of effects; others are extremely insensitive and require a dose 2 - 3 times
higher than average.
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