No, Salvia Divinorum is not explicitly banned in South Africa, but its psychoactive use and possession are criminalized under broader drug legislation. The 2026 draft amendments to the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act (Act 140 of 1992) propose classifying salvinorin A as a Schedule 7 substance, aligning it with synthetic cannabinoids. Local authorities, including the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Department of Health, actively monitor its distribution, particularly in online and traditional medicine markets.
Key Regulations for Salvia Divinorum in South Africa
- Schedule 7 Proposal (2026): The pending amendment would criminalize salvinorin A, mirroring controls on substances like MDMA. Possession could result in up to 25 years imprisonment under Section 5(b) of the Act.
- Medicinal Exclusion: Traditional healers and commercial vendors cannot legally market Salvia Divinorum for psychoactive purposes, per the Medicines and Related Substances Act (Act 101 of 1965). Unregistered products face immediate confiscation.
- Border Enforcement: Customs (SARS) and SAPS target imports, as the substance is not listed in the 2023 International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) schedules but is flagged under “new psychoactive substances” guidelines.