Peyote is a small, spineless cactus native to Mexico and the southwestern United States, known for its psychoactive properties
. The active ingredient in peyote is the hallucinogen mescaline
. Peyote has been used by indigenous peoples in these regions for at least 5,500 years, both for religious rites and medicinal purposes
. Some of the effects of peyote and mescaline include:
- Intense nausea, vomiting, dilation of the pupils, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and heavy perspiration
- Rich visual or auditory effects and spiritual or philosophical insights
Peyote is considered sacramental and sacred in the Native American Church, also known as Peyotism, and is used in rituals for a closer understanding of the spiritual world and to commune with God and spirits
. However, the use of peyote and mescaline can be unsafe and has been associated with poisoning in some cases
. These substances are Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States, meaning they have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision
