Mescaline
Mescaline (pronounced: /ˈmɛskəliːn/ or /ˈmɛskəlɪn/) is a naturally occurring psychedelic alkaloid of the phenethylamine class, known for its hallucinogenic effects comparable to those of LSD and psilocybin.
Etymology
The term "mescaline" derives from "mescal", a type of agave plant from which the substance was originally extracted. The word "mescal" itself comes from the Nahuatl (Aztec language) word "mexcalli", which means "cooked agave".
Chemical Structure
Mescaline is a member of the 2-phenylethylamine family. Its chemical name is 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine. It shares structural similarities with other phenethylamine psychedelics such as 2C-B and DOB.
Natural Occurrence
Mescaline is found in certain members of the Cactaceae family, such as the Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) and San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi). It is also found in the Peruvian Torch cactus (Echinopsis peruviana).
Effects
The effects of mescaline include altered states of consciousness, visual hallucinations, and euphoria. It can also cause nausea, increased heart rate, and anxiety in some users. The effects typically last for 10 to 12 hours.
Medical Use
While mescaline is primarily known for its psychedelic effects, it has also been used in traditional medicine by indigenous peoples in the Americas, particularly for treating ailments such as arthritis and wound healing.
Legal Status
Mescaline is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States, meaning it is illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute without a license from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mescaline
- Wikipedia's article - Mescaline
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