Peyote

Peyote and Mescaline: Origins, Effects & Legality

what is peyote

Peyote is a small, spineless cactus known for its potent psychoactive compound — mescaline. Traditionally revered in indigenous ceremonies across northern Mexico and the southwestern U.S., peyote has played a sacred role in spiritual practices for centuries.

What Is Mescaline?

Mescaline is a naturally occurring psychedelic alkaloid. It can be extracted directly from peyote cactus or synthesized in a lab. Both forms produce powerful hallucinogenic effects.

How Does It Affect the Body?

After ingesting peyote or mescaline, users often report intense physical reactions such as:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dilated pupils
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Profuse sweating and elevated body temperature
  • Headaches, muscle weakness, and reduced motor control
peyote

Mental and Emotional Effects

Mentally, mescaline can profoundly alter perception and consciousness. Effects include:

Vivid hallucinations and visual distortions

Altered sense of time, space, and self

Feelings of euphoria or, in some cases, anxiety

These experiences are often compared to those caused by other hallucinogens such as LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and PCP.

Is It Legal?

In the United States, both peyote and mescaline are classified as Schedule I controlled substances. This means they:

  • Have no currently accepted medical use
  • Are considered to have a high potential for abuse
  • Are not deemed safe for use under medical supervision

However, certain religious groups — such as the Native American Church — have legal protections for sacramental peyote use.

How Is Peyote Used?

Peyote’s psychoactive components are concentrated in its “buttons” — the disc-shaped top of the cactus. These can be:

Street Names

Peyote and mescaline may also be referred to as:

  • Buttons
  • Cactus
  • Mesc
  • Peyoto

Final Note

Peyote is deeply rooted in indigenous cultural and spiritual traditions, but recreational use remains illegal and potentially risky. Always be mindful of legality, source purity, and mental health implications when exploring psychoactive substances.
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