MESCALINE
MESCALINE
N.B. Peyote Paradise does not produce and sell Mescaline !
Peyote Paradise does not produce or sell Mescaline !
We grow only live unprocessed Cacti, which contain Mescaline, among other things.
And without the use of pesticides !
We do sell Mescaline Cacti, which we hope will live a long time ! ;-)
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1. INTRODUCTION
Mescaline is a psychoactive substance (‘drug’) with strong mind-altering effects.
The active alkaloid Mescaline causes visual psychedelic hallucinations in a Mescaline trip.
The alkaloid Mescaline occurs in nature almost exclusively in Cacti.
Mescaline is mainly found in Mescaline Cacti.
The best known and strongest Mescaline Cacti are the:
-- Peyote Cactus (Lophophora williamsii).
-- San Pedro Cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi = Trichocereus pachanoi).
-- Bolivian Torch Cactus (Achuma Cactus = Echinopsis lageniformis = Trichocereus peruvianus).
-- Peruvian Torch Cactus (Echinopsis peruviana = Trichocereus peruvianus).
-- Bald San Pedro Cactus (Echinopsis scopulicola = Trichocereus scopulicola).
Mescaline was originally used for healing in religious rituals and ceremonies led by a shaman or curandero.
Meaning of the words
alkaloid = alkaline-reactive compound.
Mescaline is a psychoactive substance (‘drug’) with strong mind-altering effects.
The active alkaloid Mescaline causes visual psychedelic hallucinations in a Mescaline trip.
The alkaloid Mescaline occurs in nature almost exclusively in Cacti.
Mescaline is mainly found in Mescaline Cacti.
The best known and strongest Mescaline Cacti are the:
-- Peyote Cactus (Lophophora williamsii).
-- San Pedro Cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi = Trichocereus pachanoi).
-- Bolivian Torch Cactus (Achuma Cactus = Echinopsis lageniformis = Trichocereus peruvianus).
-- Peruvian Torch Cactus (Echinopsis peruviana = Trichocereus peruvianus)
Mescaline was originally used for healing in religious rituals and ceremonies led by a shaman or curandero.
Meaning of the words
alkaloid = alkaline-reactive compound.
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2. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF MESCALINE
Chemical name of Mescaline
The chemical name of Mescaline is 3,4,5-trimethoxy-B-phenethylamine.
Mescaline is also originally called: 3,4,5-trimethoxy-B-phenyl-ethylamine
Molecular formula of Mescaline
C11 H17 NO3
Molar mass of Mescaline
211 g/mol
Solubility of Mescaline
Mescaline is soluble in water, alcohol, and chloroform.
Mescaline is worse soluble in ether.
Chemical properties of Mescaline
Mescaline is an alkaloid (= alkaline-reactive compound) with a bitter taste.
Mescaline is a colourless and strongly alkaline (basic) oil, forming white oil-like crystals.
Mescaline strongly resembles the human brain hormone noradrenaline.
Chemical structure of mescaline
Mescaline is similar in structure to amphetamine and epinephrine.
It possesses a methoxy group = H3CO-
Melting point + Boiling point of Mescaline
Melting point = 35 - 36 degrees Celsius.
Boiling point = 180 degrees Celsius.
Acidity = pH
Mescaline reacts alkaline, its pH is greater than 7.
Bitter taste of Mescaline
Mescaline has a very bitter taste.
Structure of Mescaline
Mescaline has a crystal structure.
Pure Mescaline consists of white crystals.
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3. NAMES RELATED TO MESCALINE
Anhalonium, mesc, mescal, Mescal beans, mescal bud, Mescaline Cactus, Peyote button.
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4. NATURAL SOURCES OF MESCALINE
In nature, the mind-expanding psychoactive substance Mescaline occurs mainly in certain Cacti.
These Mescaline Cacti contain the mind-altering alkaloid Mescaline in a relatively high concentration.
Besides Mescaline, these hallucinogenic Mescaline Cacti contain many other alkaloids with effects of their own.
Many Mescaline-containing Cactus species
1. the Peyote Cactus (Lophophora williamsii).
2. the San Pedro Cactus (Trichocereus pachanoi, also called Echinopsis pachanoi).
3. the Peruvian Torch Cactus (Trichocereus peruvianus, also called Echinopsis peruviana).
4. the Achuma Cactus (= Bolivian Torch. Also Trichocereus bridgesii, also called Echinopsis lageniformis).
5. the Bald San Pedro Cactus (Echinopsis scopulicola = Trichocereus scopulicola).
False Peyote Cactus hardly contains any Mescaline
The False Peyote Cactus (Lophophora diffusa) contains almost no Mescaline (<1% of Lophophora williamsii).
The Dutch Wikipedia lists Lophophora diffusa as a source of Mescaline, which is therefore incorrect !
At most a very dried-up source ....
Natural growth habitats of Mescaline Cacti
Mescaline Cacti grow in nature from:
1. Mexico and Texas (USA) - This is where the Peyote Cactus grows.
2. Peru, Ecuador - This is where the San Pedro Cactus and the Peruvian Torch Cactus grow.
3. Bolivia - The Bolivian Torch / Achuma Cactus grows in Bolivia.
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5. MESCALINE CONTENT OF MESCALINE CACTI
The concentration of Mescaline in Mescaline Cacti can vary.
Causes of these differences in Mescaline content are :
1. Condition
Dehydrated, recently watered.
2. Age
The older the plant, the higher the concentration of Mescaline.
3. Growing conditions
Amount and type of fertiliser and nutrients, temperature, light, water.
4. Type of cactus tissue
The tissue on the outside of a Mescaline Cactus contains proportionately a lot of Mescaline.
The woody central core contains virtually no Mescaline.
Click for studies on Mescaline content in Mescaline Cacti.
For more information, see our Books on Mescaline Cacti .
 San Pedro Cactus with a very thick outer green tissue layer containing a lot of Mescaline.
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6. MESCALINE SYNTHESIS
Chemical synthesis of mescaline
Mescaline can be made synthetically by a number of complex chemical reactions.
The Mescaline made arises in the form of Mescaline sulphate or Mescaline hydrochloride.
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7. ISOLATING MESCALINE FROM MESCALINE CACTI
Mescaline can be extracted from Mescaline Cacti by a number of chemical reactions and operations.
Poorly soluble Mescaline compounds are often produced, which are easy to isolate.
The acid used determines the type of Mescaline compound eventually formed.
Possible Mescaline compounds are:
Mescaline sulphate, Mescaline hydrochloride, Mescaline citrate, Mescaline acetate.
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8. HOW MESCALINE WORKS
The alkaloid Mescaline (other name is Meskaline) has strong psychedelic and hallucinogenic effects.
Its strong mind-expanding effects mainly cause visual hallucinations in a Mescaline trip.
Mescaline's effect on nerves
The chemical compound Mescaline speeds up stimulus transmission between the synapses of nerve cells.
Mescaline acts on:
1. serotonin (= neurotransmitter) in the central nervous system.
2. acetylcholine (= neurotransmitter) in the brain.
synapse = connection site of nerve impulses between a nerve cell and another cell:
nerve cell (nervous system), glandular cell (organs) or muscle fibre cell (locomotion).
A nerve impulse is transmitted through the synapse to the next cell.
This transmission of the excitation of a nerve occurs in one (1) direction.
The actual transmission occurs through neurotransmitters (transfer substance in synapses of nerves).
Neurotransmitter = substance that transmits nerve impulses from one nerve cell to another cell.
For example: acetylcholine (brain), adrenaline, dopamine, histamine, noradrenaline, serotonin (central nervous system).
Some neurotransmitters also have hormonal effects.
Effects of Mescaline compounds
Some Mescaline compounds (aldehyde, alcohol) have stronger effects than Mescaline alone.
Duration of action of Mescaline
After ingestion of mescaline by mouth, it starts working after 2 - 3 hours.
The effect lasts for about 12 hours or longer.
Only about 2% of the Mescaline enters the brain.
Most Mescaline is excreted unchanged by the kidneys after ingestion.
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9. EFFECTS OF MESCALINE
Physical effects of mescaline
1. Slight increase in blood pressure, slight acceleration of heart rate, faster and deeper breathing.
2. Pupil dilation (mydriasys), increase in saliva release, increased urine excretion.
3. Decreased body temperature (hypothermia) during the first few hours.
Increased body temperature thereafter (hyperthermia).
4. Feeling hot and cold, shivering and goosebumps, flushing, perspiration (sweating).
5. Making restless movements, unsteady gait.
Mental effects of Mescaline
Brain activity is reduced during viewing visual representations.
Excretion of Mescaline
After ingestion of Mescaline, the Mescaline is eliminated from the body by the kidneys.
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10. MESCALINE TRIP
The psychoactive compound Mescaline causes the mind-altering effects during a Peyote trip.
A trip with only Mescaline is less intense than a Peyote trip.
In a Peyote trip, in addition to Mescaline, many other non-psychoactive alkaloids have their own effects.
1. Dose of Mescaline
The minimum amount of Mescaline required for a normal Peyote trip is about 300 milligrams.
A strong Peyote trip requires at least 500 milligrams of Mescaline.
About 2% of the Mescaline enters the brain during a trip.
2. Types of trips with Mescaline
There are different types of Mescaline trips that differ from each other.
2.1 Trip with pure Mescaline
Here you experience the effects of only Mescaline.
2.2 Peyote trip
A Peyote trip has its own intense effects.
The Peyote also contains some other paralysing alkaloids that make a trip more intense and heavy.
Start of the Peyote trip
The effects begin after taking Mescaline by mouth (orally) after about 1 hour.
Some unpleasant effects occur such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, palpitations, sweating, headache.
The user may become anxious due to these symptoms.
These effects may last for 2 to 3 hours.
Continuation of the Peyote trip
After the first phase, the user experiences very great joy, elation and happiness.
2.3 San Pedro or Peruvian Torch trip
The San Pedro and Peruvian Torch do not contain paralysing alkaloids.
A trip is therefore less intense than a Peyote trip.
2.4 Bolivian Torch trip / Achuma Cactus trip
Besides Mescaline, the Achuma Cactus also contains MAOIs.
These substances prolong the effect of the Mescaline.
MAOIs can be dangerous because they increase blood pressure !
Tripping with the Bolivian Torch (Achuma Cactus) is therefore dangerous.
Only for experienced users with a helper nearby !
3. Duration of the Mescaline trip
The effect of Mescaline lasts about 10 to 12 hours or even longer.
The effect depends on the amount of mescaline ingested.
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11. ADDICTION AND HABITUATION TO MESCALINE
Addiction to Mescaline
There is no evidence that Mescaline causes addiction or habituation.
Habituation to Mescaline
Within 2 to 3 days, people get used to Mescaline (= Mescaline tolerance).
More Mescaline is then needed to cause the same effects.
If a person stops using Mescaline, habituation disappears in about 3 to 4 days.
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12. TOXICITY OF MESCALINE
Many studies have been done on the toxicity of mescaline.
In such tests, different species of animals are usually used.
Results obtained from these tests are not immediately applicable to humans.
Lethal dose - LD value
LD = median lethal dose.
E.g. LD50 (50% dies), LD99 (99% dies).
Usually the LD50 value is used.
The measure is in milligrams (mg = 0.001 g) or micrograms (= 0.000001 g) per kilogram of body tissue.
Lethal dose = the amount of an acutely administered substance at which a certain percentage of the test animals die.
So the lethal effect after direct administration of that substance in percent.
The LD value is thus a measure of the acute toxicity of a given substance.
LD50 value
The LD50 value is an acute dose of a given substance at which 50% of a group of animals die.
Method of administration
In tests, Mescaline is administered in different ways.
Oral (by mouth), intravenous (into a vein by injection), intraperitoneal (into the abdominal cavity by injection).
Barriers in the human body
Absorption by mouth is much better tolerated than direct administration into the body itself with an injection.
Much Mescaline is stopped by the liver and converted into other substances (blood-body barrier).
Also, the action of Mescaline in the brain is inhibited by the blood-brain barrier.
Lethal dose of Mescaline in animals
The lethal dose at which 50% of laboratory animals die (LD50 value) due to ingestion of Mescaline varies greatly among animals.
Dogs are the most sensitive to Mescaline, while rats are much less sensitive.
The LD50 value for dogs is about 54 mg per kilogram of body weight when administered intravenously (into a vein).
Rats have an LD-50 value of about 800-1200 milligrams per kilogram when taken orally.
Thus, dogs are more likely to die from too much Mescaline than other animals.
LD50 (L.B. Speck) LD50 (Hardmann)
Mice 212
Rats 370 mg (stomach) 132
Dogs 54 (intravenous)
LD50 value of a Peyote
The LD50 value of a Peyote is unknown to us.
The Peyote also contains other alkaloids that stress the human body.
Among other things, several alkaloids have a (mild) paralysing effect !
So the LD50 value of the Peyote also depends on the type of action and its strength of other constituents.
Peyote trip is more intense
It has long been known that a trip with Peyote Cacti is much more intense and less pleasant than with San Pedro Cacti.
During a Peyote session of Indians, there are always several helpers present.
Therefore, prefer to choose a trip with a San Pedro Cactus or Peruvian Torch Cactus !
Less dangerous, and more pleasant !
Theoretical LD50 value for a human
Assume that the sensitivity of a human is the same as the sensitivity of the most sensitive test animal (dog).
So LD50 (human, hypothetical) = 54 milligrams of Mescaline per kilogram of body weight (administered intravenously).
A person with 60 kilograms of body weight reaches that value after administration of 60 x 54 = 3240 milligrams of Mescaline (administered intravenously).
Amount of Peyote Cactus at a theoretical LD50 value of a dog
A fresh Peyote contains about 0.1% Mescaline, or 1 gram per kilo of fresh Peyote.
So for 3240 milligrams (= LD50 man theoretical), you need 3.240 kilos of fresh Peyote.
A Peyote 7 - 8 cm in diameter weighs about 200 - 300 grams.
Then you need about 10 - 15 large Peyote's to achieve an LD50 value of the most sensitive test animal.
This in an acute administration by injection of Mescaline into the body of a light person (60 kilos).
If the Peyote is eaten, you need even more Peyote, because the liver absorbs and breaks down a lot of Mescaline.
In the process, the Peyote is so bitter that many people vomit, causing the body to absorb less Mescaline.
For heavier persons than 60 kilos, even more Peyote is needed.
Peyote cost at a theoretical LD50 value of a dog
At a retail price of 50.00 to 75.00 Euro per large Peyote, the cost is 500.00 to 1125.00 Euro.
Nobody is probably going to spend that much money on large Peyote's !
Quantity of San Pedro Cactus at a theoretical LD50 value of a dog
You can do the same arithmetic for a San Pedro Cactus.
A fresh San Pedro Cactus contains about 0.067 % Mescaline, or 0.67 grams per kilo of fresh San Pedro.
So for 3240 milligrams (= LD50 man theoretical), you need 3240 / 670 = 4.84 kilos of fresh San Pedro.
A fresh San Pedro stem of 6 - 7 - 8 cm diameter weighs a maximum of about 200 - 300 - 400 grams per 10 cm length.
You need about 120 cm (8 cm thick) to 190 cm (6 cm thick) of fresh San Pedro Cactus
to achieve an LD50 value of the most sensitive test animal.
This in an acute administration by injection of Mescaline into the body of a light person.
Heavier people need even more San Pedro Cactus to reach the LD50 of a human (theoretically)....
If the San Pedro Cacti are eaten you need even more San Pedro's, because the liver absorbs and breaks down a lot of Mescaline.
Besides, the San Pedro is so bitter that many people vomit, so less Mescaline is absorbed....
Cost of Peyote's at a theoretical LD50 value of a dog
At a selling price of 10.00 Euro per 10 cm length of a thick San Pedro, the cost is 120.00 to 190.00 Euro.
Again, this is a considerable amount which means few will eat that many San Pedro's.
Mescaline combined with other substances
Other drugs (including sleeping pills) seem to increase the toxicity of Mescaline.
The Native American Church considers ingestion of Peyote and alcohol to be dangerous.
LD value of people in a Mescaline Cactus trip
N.B. The LD values obtained in animals are not directly applicable to humans.
In a human Mescaline Cactus trip, about 300 - 500 milligrams of Mescaline is consumed by eating Mescaline Cacti.
Depending on a user's body weight, the maximum amount of Mescaline is:
-- 3 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (300 mg of Mescaline / 100 kilograms of body weight).
up to
-- 8 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (500 mg of Mescaline / 60 kilograms of body weight).
That is almost 1/7 to 1/18 of the LD-50 dose of the most sensitive laboratory animal (dog).
Thereby, the LD50 of a dog is the value of an acute ingestion of Mescaline.
The LD50 value of oral ingestion (by mouth) will be higher in a dog and also in humans.
Thus, the effects in a person who drinks Mescaline Cactus juice by mouth are less than acute administration.
When Mescaline Cactus juice is drunk, the absorbed Mescaline is even lower than almost 1/7 to 1/18 of the LD-50 dose of the most sensitive laboratory animal (dog).
See also Erowid.org on the lethality of Mescaline.
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13. MESCALINE AND POP STARS
Jim Morrison of the pop group ‘The Doors’
The lead singer of the pop group the Doors (Jim Morrison) regularly used Mescaline.
The 1991 film ‘The Doors’ shows Jim Morrison using Mescaline.
The name of this pop group is derived from Aldous Huxley's book ‘The Doors of Perception’.
In it, Huxley describes his experiences using the Peyote Cactus and Mescaline.
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14. MESCALINE AND WRITERS
Aldous Huxley
The English writer Aldous Huxley published the book ‘The Doors of Perception’ in 1954 .
In this book, Huxley describes his experiences using the Peyote Cactus and Mescaline.
Among other things, Huxley describes his experiences in a Mescaline experiment in the presence of a psychiatrist friend.
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15. ALKALOIDS
There are more than 5,000 different types of alkaloids.
Especially plants make and contain alkaloids.
Effects of Alkaloids
Alkaloids have a strong effect on the nervous system on humans.
Chemical properties of Alkaloids
Alkaloids usually react alkaline (pH > 7.0).
Chemical structure Alkaloids
Alkaloids possess a complex chemical cyclic structure.
The chemical structure possesses a nitrogen atom in the form of an amine group (-NH2).
Biosynthesis of Alkaloids
They are biosynthesised mainly by plants from amino acids.
Psychoactive Alkaloids
Many alkaloids are used as stimulants: Mescaline, cocaine, heroin, nicotine.
Alkaloids in medicine
Many alkaloids are also in use in medicine: morphine, atropine, codeine, ephedrine
Known Alkaloids
caffeine (also: caffeine), nicotine, morphine, codeine, heroin, cocaine, strychnine.
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16. HISTORY OF MESCALINE
Pharmacologists have been extracting and isolating the chemical constituents in Peyote since 1888.
1. Louis Lewin of Germany in 1888 found a substance he called Anhalonin, which had no mind-altering effects.
2. Arthur Heffter of Germany isolated Pellotine, Mescaline and some other alkaloids in 1896.
3. Until 1939, Ernst Spath found 5 other Peyote alkaloids.
He was the first to make Mescaline (Mescaline synthesis) from other chemical constituents.
He discovered that the alkaloids in the Peyote consisted of 2 types.
Alkaloids with an annular phenol structure, and a form with an annular non-phenol structure.
The difference is chemical group bound to the aromatic phenol ring.
4. From 1965, several researchers found more than 40 other Alkaloids.
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17. RISKS OF MESCALINE USE
There are situations that increase the risk of using mescaline.
In those situations, do not use mind-altering drugs, or only under strict medical supervision.
In a trip, there is always a chance of blurring the distinction between reality and illusion.
N.B. The list below is not exhaustive !
1. Physical risks
1.1 Minor and burdensome Physical conditions
Sleep deprivation, poor fitness, exhaustion, fatigue, illness, old age.
1.2 Particularly strenuous physical conditions
Pregnancy.
2. Mental risks.
2.1 Impaired Mental Circumstances.
Anxiety, depression, mental illness (psychosis), instability, difficulties in life.
2.2 Personal loss, relationship problems, grief.
3. Special External Circumstances
External circumstances can also increase the risk of using Mescaline.
3.1 Dangerous conditions in the home,
such as on a roof, stairs, stairwell, floors, open windows, in bath, shower.
3.2 Dangerous conditions outside the house,
such as near a road with traffic, near a river or canal, bridge, etc.
3.3 Dangerous conditions in nature,
such as in high places, mountains, precipices, in trees, near water, near wild animals.
3.4 Environment where you do not feel comfortable.
4. Combination with other active substances
Do not consume in combination with :
4.1 Stressful other active products,
such as coffee, alcoholic drinks, other mind-altering products.
4.2 Medicines, medical preparations, chemical compounds.
5. Excessive dose
Always start with a cautious dose.
You can eat more later in the trip if the effects are not strong enough.
6. No sober helper around
Nature peoples always had one or more helpers around for support when using.
Otherwise, take part in a joint session sometimes held in the Netherlands.
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18. DOSE OF MESCALINE