Classification: Psychedelic hallucinogen
Common Names/Nicknames: Peyote, buttons, cactus, mescaline, mesc
Active Compound: Mescaline
Found in: Peyote cactus, San Pedro cactus, Peruvian torch cactus, other mescaline-containing cacti, Fabaceae beans, synthetic mescaline
Mode of Consumption: Ingestion
DEA Scheduling/Legal Status (in US): Schedule I, illegal in all states. Exception: Legal in religious ceremonies registered by the Native American Church
Effects:
Hallucinations, euphoria, slowed passage of time, anesthesia, synesthesia, pupil dilation, increased body temperature, increased heart rate, weakness, tremors, nausea, anxiety
Risks:
Acute: “Bad trip,” tolerance, accidental injury, psychosis, amnesia, homicidal and suicidal attempts, convulsions
Chronic: Posthallucinogen perceptual disorder (PHPD, aka “flashbacks”). Some evidence for triggering longer-term psychosis
Dangerous Drug Combinations:
Possibly dangerous combination with antidepressants, ecstasy, and other drugs that affect serotonin levels.
Special Considerations:
Mescaline has relatively low risk of harm and is seen as non-addictive.
