Mescaline

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Mescaline is a naturally occurring psychedelic substance of the phenethylamine class, known for its hallucinogenic effects. It is found in certain cacti, including the Peyote, San Pedro, and Peruvian Torch cactus. Mescaline has been used for thousands of years in Native American and Mexican cultures for religious and healing purposes.

History[edit | edit source]

The use of mescaline can be traced back over 5,000 years to the ancient cultures of Mexico and Southwestern United States. The Peyote cactus, which contains mescaline, was often used in religious ceremonies for its hallucinogenic effects. The first recorded use of mescaline was in 1897 by German pharmacologist Arthur Heffter.

Effects[edit | edit source]

Mescaline causes a range of hallucinogenic effects, including visual hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and euphoria. The effects can last up to 12 hours and are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and increased heart rate.

Legal status[edit | edit source]

Mescaline is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. However, the use of mescaline in religious ceremonies is protected under the American Indian Religious Freedom Act.

See also[edit | edit source]

Mescaline Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD