Hi jungleheart,
If there is any way for you to grow or procure plain salvia divinorum leaf, I would suggest that as a good starting point. I would also recommend starting with some 5x extract.
Salvia is difficult to smoke correctly - it burns at a very high temperature which makes the smoke hot and harsh. Also, to achieve the desired effects, one must hold the smoke for a good 20 seconds at least.
I personally find a bong loaded with ice and water to be best for salvia as it cools the smoke and permits me to hold a more formidable hit.
Salvia divinorum really is a teacher plant in my limited experience. It can take a number of attempts to get acquainted with her. I was not able to achieve appreciable effects my first five or six attempts. Now, when I smoke saliva I can fully breakthrough on two good hits of 5x . . .
Hope this helps.
Peace & Love,
Pandora