Substance info: Peyote

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a small button shaped cactus 2-5 inches in diameter, which grow in Mexico and the Southwest United States. Peyote is a hallucinogen, producing significant physical, visual, and perceptual changes. It is traditionally dried and eaten in a ritual setting to induce visions, and has been used by natives of Mexico for thousands of years.

Though Peyote is used recreationally by some, it is relatively uncommon on the street. Because a single Peyote button can take 5-15 years to mature, there is some concern about the over-harvesting of Peyote in the wild.

Dose

The effective dose for mescaline is 200–500 mg, equivalent to about 5 g of dried peyote.

Law

Lophophora williamsii is one of the few plants specifically named as illegal in the United States. It is a schedule I substance, along with its active ingredient Mescaline, making it illegal to buy, sell, or possess. There is a notable exception to this law which allows the use of Peyote by member of the Native American Church. Other countries, such as Canada, list chemicals contained in peyote as controlled substances, but peyote itself is specifically exempt from criminalization.

History

The use of Peyote as a psychoactive was first recorded by Spanish conquistadors when they first arrived in the new world in the late 15th century. Based on historical Chichimeca and Toltec events, estimates are that Peyote has been used by native Mexicans for thousands of years. Use of Peyote spread during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Terminology/Slang

The Substance: Peyote; Lophophora williamsii; Mescal; Buttons; Big Chief; Mescalito.
The Experience: Tripping

Effects

Peyote is reported to trigger states of "deep introspection and insight" that have been described as being of a metaphysical or spiritual nature. At times, these can be accompanied by rich visual or auditory effects.

Duration

The effects last about 10 to 12 hours.

Positive effects

Feelings of insight, brightening of colors, closed and open eye visuals, euphoria, laughter. Increase in energy (stimulation), enhanced tactile sensation, feelings of hope, rejuvination, happy and/or dreamy, increased access to spiritual ideation; deep esoteric experiences.

Risks

As with many other psychedelics, the coming-up period of a peyote experience can be uncomfortable with some of the more negative effects occurring during this time. Many users experiment nausea, vomiting, chills and/or heat waves during the onset.

Addiction potential

Peyote is neither physically addicting nor likely to cause psychological dependence. Withdrawal effects following discontinuation have not been reported.

Negative effects

Nausea and/or vomiting, chest and neck pain (in early stages of experience), shortness of breath, uncomfortable changes in body temperature (sweating/chills).

Confusion, difficulty concentrating, problems with activities requiring linear focus, difficulty communicating, inhibition of sex drive, insomnia, unpleasant or frightening visions, unwanted and overwhelming feelings, depression, anxiety, paranoia, fear, and panic.