Salvia Divinorum: A Western Approach

In western society, hallucinogenic shamanic plant medicines often spiral into abuse, legislation, and scientific restrictions. Salvia Divinorum is arguably worlds most powerful naturally occurring psychedelic plant. Scientists have recently discovered new breakthroughs in neurobiology with this plants' unique active molecule Salvinorin-A. In 1994 researcher Daniel Siebert discovered how to isolate Salvinorin-A crystals through chemical extractions. Entrepreneurial psychonauts began legally selling Salvia extracts which soon became popular in the counter culture circles. With the advent of YouTube in 2005, videos of bizarre psychedelic experiences sparked media attention making sales and use go nation wide. State legislatures began enacting laws. Celebrities using Salvia extracts, such as Miley Cyrus, helped drive the media hysteria of Salvia to world wide news. Are these laws justifiable or infringing on scientific medicine and religious freedom uses? Is this an addictive harmful substance? What were the Mazatec shamans doing with this plant? What is the truth about Salvia Divinorum? After many years of research and production Director Erin Wyche puts the puzzle together with an objective balanced view of this controversial substance. —Patrick Krauss