INFORMATION FOR WOMEN WHO ARE THINKING OF USING, ARE USING, OR HAVE USED MESCALINE (PEYOTE) DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING

What is mescaline (peyote)?

Peyote is a type of spineless cactus that contains a hallucinogenic drug, called mescaline. By interacting with serotonin (5HT) receptors on the surfaces of brain cells, mescaline alters and intensified sensations from the outside world and can change your perception of the passage of time. Such effects are similar to those resulting from other hallucinogenic drugs, such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), both of which we cover in other consumer reports. In addition to hallucinations, hallucinogens such as mescaline also can produce effects throughout the body, such as nausea and in increase in heart rate. Often, mescaline is taken orally - pieces of fresh or dried peyote can be chewed, or they can be soaked in water and the resulting liquid consumed. The plant can also be ground to a powder, placed in capsules, and swallowed.  Finally, the drug can be taken through the lungs by mixing powdered peyote with marijuana and/or tobacco which is then smoked.