Mescaline

Products

Mescaline, peyote, and San Pedro are among the banned narcotics in many countries and are therefore generally not legally available.

Structure and properties

Mescaline (C11H17NO3, Mr = 211.3 g/mol) is a trimethoxy-phenylethylamine derivative with a bitter taste (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenylethylamine). Mescaline is structurally related to catecholamines such as epinephrine and to ecstasy, among others.

Origin

Mescaline is a natural alkaloid found in the peyote cactus. The cactus is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Mescaline can also be produced synthetically and is found in other cacti, such as San Pedro and .

Effects

Mescaline has hallucinogenic (psychoactive) and sympathomimetic properties. The effects are due to agonism at various serotonin receptors and can last up to 12 hours. A relevant fraction is excreted unchanged.

Indications for use

Mescaline is used as a hallucinogen. Cacti containing mescaline have been used for ritual purposes for thousands of years.

Dosage

The cut and dried tops of peyote cacti are usually chewed or softened in the mouth and then swallowed. Mescaline is primarily administered perorally. It is less potent than LSD and psilocybin, so higher doses in the milligram range are needed (e.g., 200 to 400 mg).

Adverse effects

Potential adverse effects include:

  • Typically: severe nausea and vomiting at the beginning of intake.
  • Rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure
  • Temperature increase
  • Dizziness, headache
  • Sweating
  • Dilation of pupils
  • Dry mouth
  • Muscle weakness, tremor
  • Anxiety, psychiatric disorders, paranoia, agitation, depression.

Mescaline is not reported to cause dependence or addiction even after repeated use, but tolerance may develop. Severe intoxication has rarely been reported.