OFFICIAL NAMES:Salvia divinorum (Epling and Jativa-M.), salvinorin A, divinorin A

STREET NAMES: Hierba Maria (the Virgin Mary's herb), ska Maria Pastora (the leaves of Mary, the shepherdess), semilla de la Virgen (the Virgin's seed), salvia, diviner's sage

DRUG CLASSIFICATIONS: Not scheduled, hallucinogen

Overview

Salvia divinorum is an herb of the mint family indigenous to the highlands of the Sierra Mazateca of Oaxaca, Mexico. The plant grows about 24–36 in (61–91 cm) in height, with leaves about 6 in (15 cm) long. For centuries, the leaves of the plant have been used by the natives of that region as a hallucinogen in rituals of divination and healing. It is one of several hallucinogenic plants which have been used for these purposes. Other plants are peyote (peyotl), psilocybin mushrooms (teonanactl), and morning glory (ololiuqui).

Reports of the use of psychotropic plants in Mexico date back to the Spanish invasion...