The world of illicit drug use is often shrouded in confusing and ever-evolving slang, which can obscure the true identity and dangers of a substance. The term 'Sally' is a prime example, referring to two very different drugs with distinct origins and effects. While many people are familiar with 'Molly' (MDMA), its lesser-known relative 'Sally' (MDA) carries its own set of risks. Additionally, a completely different drug, Salvia divinorum, is also known by a similar nickname, 'Sally-D'.
What is MDA? (Sally / Sass / Sassafras)
3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) is a synthetic psychoactive drug that acts as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen. It is a member of the amphetamine family, meaning it shares a similar chemical structure and some pharmacological effects with well-known drugs like MDMA. In fact, MDA was first synthesized in 1910, predating MDMA, and can be derived from the oil of the sassafras plant. This is why it is often referred to as 'Sass' or 'Sassafras' on the street.
While MDMA is known primarily for its euphoric and empathogenic effects, MDA tends to produce a more pronounced and longer-lasting psychedelic experience. It works by increasing the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain, which contributes to both its desired and dangerous effects.
Effects and risks of MDA
Users often report a variety of effects from MDA, but as with any unregulated street drug, the experience can be unpredictable and dangerous due to unknown purity or adulterants.
Common short-term effects of MDA include:
- Increased empathy and affection
- Feelings of euphoria and excitement
- Pronounced visual and auditory hallucinations
- Heightened sensory perception
- Increased energy and self-confidence
- Jaw clenching and profuse sweating
- Nausea and decreased appetite
Significant risks associated with MDA use include:
- Longer-lasting effects: The effects of MDA can last 6 to 8 hours, significantly longer than MDMA's 3-5 hour duration.
- Overdose potential: Using larger doses or unknowingly consuming a higher potency product can lead to overdose, which may cause high blood pressure, seizures, or coma.
- Neurotoxicity: Long-term or heavy use may be neurotoxic and can cause lasting damage to the brain's serotonin system.
What is Salvia Divinorum? (Sally-D / Magic Mint)
Unlike MDA, Salvia divinorum is a naturally-occurring hallucinogenic herb from the mint family. Native to Oaxaca, Mexico, it has been used for centuries by Mazatec shamans in spiritual rituals. The street name 'Sally' is a shortened form of 'Sally-D', referring to this substance.
When ingested, typically by chewing the leaves or smoking extracts, salvia produces intense, but short-lived, dissociative effects and hallucinations. The experience is profoundly different from that of MDA or MDMA.
Effects and risks of Salvia divinorum
- Intense, vivid, and often bizarre hallucinations
- Feelings of detachment or dissociation from reality
- Altered perception of space, time, and identity
- Inability to communicate or interact with others
- Mood swings and feelings of panic
While the hallucinogenic effects are brief, usually lasting only a few minutes, the experience can be overwhelming and frightening. Continued use, particularly in solitude, may lead to psychological dependence and a desire to escape reality.
Comparison: MDA vs. Salvia Divinorum
To highlight the key differences, here is a comparison table:
| Characteristic | MDA ('Sally') | Salvia Divinorum ('Sally-D') |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Synthetic compound from the amphetamine family | Natural herb from the mint family |
| Drug Class | Stimulant and psychedelic | Dissociative hallucinogen |
| Duration | Longer, typically 6–8 hours | Very short, often only a few minutes |
| Primary Effects | Euphoria, empathy, increased energy, and vivid hallucinations | Intense, often bizarre, hallucinations and dissociation |
| Purchase Form | Powder, crystals, or tablets on the street | Dried leaves or potent extracts |
| Physical Risks | Overdose, hyperthermia, neurotoxicity | Lack of coordination, unpredictable behavior |
The dangers of unknown ingredients
Regardless of which substance a buyer thinks they are getting, illicit drugs sold under the name 'Sally' are a gamble. A five-year study showed that many street drugs are not what they claim to be, and samples of ecstasy (related to MDA) often contain other, more dangerous chemicals like bath salts. This lack of regulation means users have no way of knowing the actual ingredients, purity, or dosage of what they are taking, dramatically increasing the risk of a fatal overdose or adverse reaction. The accidental overdose death of Scott Weiland, the former lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots, was attributed to a combination of drugs that included MDA, highlighting the serious dangers involved.
Conclusion
Understanding what is Sally short for drugs is crucial, as the term represents two distinct and potentially dangerous illicit substances. Whether referring to the synthetic stimulant MDA or the natural hallucinogen Salvia divinorum, using 'Sally' involves significant and unpredictable health risks. Both drugs are unregulated and sold with no guarantee of purity or content, making any use a potentially life-threatening gamble. For anyone concerned about substance use, seeking help from a reputable organization is a critical step toward recovery. For more information and resources on substance abuse, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
