Peyote, scientifically known as Lophophora williamsii, is a small, spineless cactus native to the arid regions of northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States. This plant contains a variety of psychoactive alkaloids, with mescaline being the primary compound responsible for its hallucinogenic effects. The cactus has held deep historical and cultural significance for thousands of years, revered as a sacred sacrament and medicine by indigenous peoples, particularly within the traditions of the Native American Church. The traditional methods of preparing and consuming this plant are integral to these spiritual practices.
Sourcing and Initial Processing
The process of preparing peyote begins with the careful sourcing of the cactus, which traditionally involves harvesting the aerial part, or the “crown,” while leaving the large subterranean root intact to ensure regrowth. Harvesters make a precise, horizontal cut at ground level, just above the root, which is a method designed to promote the plant’s survival and future regeneration. Leaving the underground stem in place is paramount for sustainability, as new crowns, or “pups,” can sprout from the remaining tissue. The cactus is very slow-growing, taking a decade or more to reach maturity, which underscores the importance of this careful harvesting technique.
Once the crowns are separated from the root, they are referred to as “buttons” and require initial processing before preparation for consumption. The buttons are first cleaned to remove any dirt or fine, grayish fuzz that covers the plant’s surface. The drying process is the most important step, serving both to preserve the material and to concentrate the psychoactive alkaloids. When dried, the mescaline concentration can increase significantly, ranging from 3% to 6% of the dry weight. The buttons are typically sun-dried until they become brittle or leathery, transforming them into a stable and potent form.
Preparation Methods for Consumption
Traditional consumption methods center on ingesting the fresh or dried peyote material to deliver the mescaline. The most straightforward and ancient method involves chewing the dried buttons directly, often considered the most traditional way of ingestion in Native American ceremonies. Users slowly chew the dried buttons, allowing the alkaloids to be absorbed through the mucous membranes before swallowing the remaining pulpy mass. Doses commonly range from four to twelve buttons, though the considerable variation in mescaline content makes precise dosing challenging.
A common alternative preparation is the creation of a concentrated liquid known as a decoction or “peyote tea.” This method involves boiling either the fresh or dried cactus material in water for several hours to extract the psychoactive compounds. The resulting liquid, known for its intense bitterness, is then strained to remove the solid plant matter before consumption. This liquid form allows for easier communal sharing during all-night ceremonies.
Another technique involves pulverization, where the dried buttons are ground down into a fine, greenish-brown powder. This powder can be mixed with water or other liquids, or placed into capsules to bypass the cactus’s notoriously bitter taste. Regardless of the preparation method, the experience is typically preceded by strong emetic effects, which are often viewed as a form of purification within the ceremonial context.
Legal Status and Safety Considerations
In the United States, peyote is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This places it in the category of drugs with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. However, federal law provides a specific exemption for its ceremonial use by members of the Native American Church (NAC). This protection is codified under the American Indian Religious Freedom Act Amendments of 1994, which allows NAC members to legally possess, transport, and consume peyote for bona fide religious purposes. This legal exception acknowledges the plant’s deep cultural and historical role as a sacrament.
The consumption of peyote carries several physiological effects that constitute safety considerations. The extreme bitterness frequently causes intense nausea and vomiting, which is part of the initial physical reaction to the alkaloids. Peyote also contains compounds that can elevate heart rate and blood pressure. It should be avoided by individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or those taking certain medications, such as stimulants, due to potential adverse interactions. Mescaline content varies widely, making accurate dosage highly unpredictable outside of a controlled, ceremonial environment.