Peyote

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a small, spineless cactus native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is well known for its psychoactive properties when ingested, primarily due to the presence of the alkaloid mescaline.

Description

Peyote is a small, button-shaped cactus. It grows close to the ground and produces pink flowers. The plant is spineless, but does have tufts of hair which can be quite long. The color of the plant varies from green to blue-green.

Distribution and habitat

Peyote is native to the Chihuahuan Desert and the states of Texas and New Mexico in the United States. It is also found in the Mexican states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, and San Luis Potosi. The plant prefers rocky, limestone soil.

Uses

Peyote has been used for at least 5,500 years by Native Americans in Mexico. It is also used by the Native American Church in the United States, where it is considered a sacrament. The primary active ingredient in peyote is the alkaloid mescaline, which has psychoactive properties.

Legal status

In the United States, peyote is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. However, the use of peyote for religious ceremonies is protected by the American Indian Religious Freedom Act.

See also

• Mescaline
• Native American Church
• Psychedelic drug
• Entheogen

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