Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
11:14
Rapid High-throughput Species Identification of Botanical Material Using Direct Analysis in Real Time High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Published on: October 2, 2016
Salvia divinorum: effects and use among YouTube users.
James E Lange1, Jason Daniel, Kestrel Homer
1Prevention Science Collaborative, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, United States. jlange@mail.sdsu.edu
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|December 25, 2009
Summary
Salvia divinorum, a hallucinogenic plant, causes rapid-onset effects documented through YouTube videos. Researchers observed user behaviors and impairments, noting a link between salvia dose and effect duration.
Area of Science:
- Psychopharmacology
- Ethnobotany
- Digital Ethnography
Background:
- Salvia divinorum (salvia) is a potent, short-acting hallucinogen with increasing popularity.
- Limited scientific research exists on salvia's psychoactive effects and user experiences.
- YouTube hosts numerous videos documenting salvia consumption, offering a potential data source.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically assess the effects of salvia use by analyzing user-submitted videos.
- To document observable behaviors and impairments associated with salvia consumption in a non-laboratory setting.
- To evaluate the feasibility of using social media platforms for drug effect research.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 34 YouTube videos depicting entire salvia 'trips' without edits was collected using the search term 'salvia'.
- Three trained research assistants independently rated 42 different effects at 30-second intervals.
- Data analysis focused on symptom onset, duration, and relationship to reported salvia dosage.
Main Results:
- Salvia's effects manifested rapidly, often within 30 seconds of consumption.
- Observed effects typically dissipated within 8 minutes.
- A correlation was found between the dosage of salvia consumed and the duration of its effects.
Conclusions:
- This study provides insights into salvia's effects on users in naturalistic settings, complementing controlled laboratory research.
- The findings highlight the rapid onset and relatively short duration of salvia's psychoactive effects.
- Utilizing YouTube videos is a feasible, albeit limited, method for studying emerging drug trends and their effects.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Hallucinogens and Psychedelics
Hallucinogens are psychoactive substances that profoundly alter perceptual experiences, generating unreal visual and sensory images. Often referred to as psychedelic drugs — a term derived from the Greek words "psyche" (mind) and "delos" (revealing) — these substances include marijuana and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), among others. These drugs vary in intensity and effects.
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)...
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)...
01:06Altered States of Awareness
Altered states of consciousness represent significant deviations from one's normal mental state. These deviations can range from subtle changes in awareness to profound transformations in perception, thought processes, and sensory experiences. Altered states of consciousness can be triggered by various factors, including drug use, meditation, hypnosis, illness, or even intense fatigue.
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain that...
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain that...
01:22CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents
Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, are a class of substances known for their ability to alter perception, cognition, and emotions. Despite their profound effects on the mind, these drugs are non-addictive, setting them apart from many other abused substances. The mechanism of action of these drugs lies in their impact on the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. Upon activation, this receptor couples to Gq-type G proteins, triggering a cascade that releases intracellular calcium. This...
01:28An Overview of Psychoactive Drugs
Psychoactive drugs impact brain function, influencing perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behavior. These substances are grouped based on their effects and the mechanisms by which they act.
Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine enhance brain activity, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. These drugs typically raise heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. While they can induce feelings of euphoria, their misuse can result in severe health...
Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine enhance brain activity, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. These drugs typically raise heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. While they can induce feelings of euphoria, their misuse can result in severe health...
01:27Combined Effects of Drugs: Synergism
Synergism is a useful mechanism where combining two or more drugs is more effective than each constituent used alone. Such combinations are also called supra-additive interactions. The drugs collectively enhance the final therapeutic effect by acting on different targets. Another advantage is that the low dose of each constituent drug is sufficient to achieve the desired effect. This helps reduce the duration of therapy and lower the adverse effects of these drugs.
Such synergistic combinations...
Such synergistic combinations...
01:27Effects of Chemicals: Overview
Drugs, encompassing various chemical compounds from natural sources, lab synthesis, or genetic engineering, elicit different biological responses in living organisms. Some of these responses are desirable or therapeutic, while others are undesirable. The primary goal of administering a drug is to achieve a therapeutic effect, that is, to address a specific disease or health condition. Any concurrent effects outside of this therapeutic outcome are considered undesirable. These undesirable...