Salvia divinorum Legal Status in the UK: Currently Uncontrolled

As of 2024, Salvia divinorum is not controlled under the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. There is no specific law prohibiting possession, sale, or cultivation for personal use.

Regulatory Context

• Not in Schedules 1–5 of Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001
• Not covered by Psychoactive Substances Act 2016—exempted as "not intended for human consumption" (sold as "incense," "botanical specimen")
• No age restriction on sale (unlike alcohol, tobacco, vaping)

Practical Realities

• Sold in head shops, online as "ethnobotanical," "collector's item"
• Police may seize under general nuisance powers if public use causes disorder
• Retailers often self-impose 18+ policies
• Import for personal use generally allowed (declare if asked)

International Comparison

Controlled in: Australia (Schedule 9), Canada (Schedule IV), Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, several US states. Uncontrolled in: UK, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Czechia, Mexico.

Health Warning

Legal ≠ safe. Intense, short-acting kappa-opioid hallucinogen. Risks: dissociation, loss of coordination, dangerous behavior, psychological distress. No established therapeutic use. Harm reduction: sitter, safe setting, low dose, no combinations.

Monitor Changes

ACMD (Advisory Council on Misuse of Drugs) has reviewed salvia repeatedly. Could be scheduled if harms emerge. Check gov.uk for updates.