In The Know Zone

Short-term effects

Like LSD, mescaline, or ketamine, Salvia causes users to see or hear things that are not there. The strength of the hallucinations depend on the dosage and method of use, as does the length of the experience -- which can be as long as 8 hours. Users may also lose consciousness if they take too strong a dose.

Also like these hallucinogens, Salvia users may have a "bad trip." The visions or sounds may be disturbing or terrifying. They have no way of knowing or controlling what they will experience.

Users report feeling effects similar to drinking alcohol while using Salvia, including slurred speech and clumsy movements. Between the hallucinations and loss of coordination, Salvia users are at high risk for accidents that can hurt themselves as well as others, especially if they are driving.