Description

• Formula:
  

  C22H36N2O10Scap C sub 22 cap H sub 36 cap N sub 2 cap O sub 10 cap S

  𝐶22𝐻36𝑁2𝑂10𝑆

  (bis(2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine) sulfate).

• Appearance: White powder.
• Origin: Isolated from cacti or produced synthetically.
• Solubility: Soluble in water, alcohol, and chloroform. 

• Onset: Typically 45–90 minutes.
• Duration: 9–14 hours, with effects sometimes lasting longer depending on the dose.
• Psychedelic Effects: Vivid visual hallucinations (geometrical patterns), altered perception of time and space, euphoria, increased energy, and synesthesia (e.g., “seeing” sounds).
• Physical Effects: Intense nausea and vomiting (particularly with raw cactus), increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and sweating.
• “Bad Trip”: Can cause anxiety, panic, paranoia, and, in rare cases, psychosis. 

• Use: Traditionally used in Native American religious ceremonies (peyote). It is also used recreationally for spiritual, meditation, or therapeutic purposes.
• Legality: In the U.S., mescaline is classified as a Schedule I substance, making it illegal to possess or sell, with exceptions for religious use by the Native American Church. It is similarly prohibited in many other countries.
• Addiction/Tolerance: Tolerance to mescaline develops rapidly (3–4 days), but it is not considered addictive. 

• Overdose: No fatal overdoses from mescaline alone have been reported in scientific literature, though dangerous behaviors and psychological distress are risks.
• Interactions: Dangerous when mixed with other drugs, particularly those that affect blood pressure or serotonin levels.
• Side Effects: Post-use anxiety, fatigue, and muscle aches can occur. 

• While not approved for medical use, some historical and preliminary studies have investigated its potential for treating alcohol use disorder, anxiety, and PTSD. 

• Peyote: Lophophora williamsii.
• San Pedro: Echinopsis pachanoi.
• Peruvian Torch: Echinopsis peruviana.