Is Salvia Divinorum Legal in China After the 2026 Policy Reforms?

No, Salvia divinorum is prohibited in China under the 2021 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Law, which classifies it as a controlled hallucinogenic plant. The State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) and National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC) enforce strict bans, aligning with China’s zero-tolerance policy on psychoactive substances. Recent 2026 compliance directives further restrict its import, export, and domestic cultivation.


Key Regulations for Salvia Divinorum in China

  • Controlled Substance Classification: Listed under Schedule I of the 2021 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Law, equating its legal status to heroin or methamphetamine.
  • Domestic Prohibition: Cultivation, sale, or possession triggers criminal liability under Article 347 of the Criminal Law, punishable by up to life imprisonment for trafficking.
  • Cross-Border Restrictions: The General Administration of Customs (GAC) and NNCC conduct rigorous inspections; unauthorized import/export results in confiscation and potential prosecution under Article 153 of the Customs Law.