Mescaline (Mescaline (from peyote and San Pedro cactus))
One of the oldest known psychedelics, found in peyote and San Pedro cacti and used ceremonially for thousands of years. Of growing interest in modern mental-health research.
How it works
Activates serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, producing long-lasting changes in perception and mood. It is a phenethylamine rather than a tryptamine.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: 211.26 g/mol
- Half-life: ~6 hours
- Bioavailability: Oral
- Storage: Traditional/research settings only.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: Several hundred milligrams (study and traditional use)
- Frequency: Occasional or ceremonial
- Duration: Acute effects last 10-12 hours
- Route: Oral
Protocol notes
- Traditionally consumed by eating peyote buttons or drinking San Pedro cactus preparations in ceremony.
- Pure mescaline is taken orally in measured doses in research or careful personal use.
- Because it lasts 10-12 hours, the whole day is set aside.
- Strong nausea early on is common, so people often have an empty stomach.
Reported benefits
- Long history of ceremonial use
- Survey data links use to wellbeing
- Renewed research interest
- Distinct phenethylamine profile
Possible side effects
- Strong nausea and vomiting
- Very long experience
- Anxiety or fear
- Raised heart rate and blood pressure
Research
- Naturalistic study of mescaline use and mental health (2021): Survey participants commonly reported improvements in depression, anxiety and substance use after a mescaline experience.
Compare Mescaline
Community discussions about Mescaline
- Curiosity about moving into psychedelics for mental wellness research - 0 comments
- First time exploring mescaline: what should I know before trying? - 4 comments
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Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.