Mescaline
Summary sheet: Mescaline |
Mescaline | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Chemical Nomenclature | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common names | Mescaline | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Substitutive name | 3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenethylamine | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Systematic name | 2-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class Membership | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Psychoactive class | Psychedelic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chemical class | Phenethylamine | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Routes of Administration | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenethylamine (commonly known as Mescaline) is a naturally-occurring psychedelic alkaloid of the phenethylamine class that produces "classical psychedelic" effects (i.e. those of psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline, LSD, and DMT when administered.[1]
Mescaline occurs naturally in the peyote cactus (Lophophora williamsii),[2] and it is produced in a number of other cacti species such as the Echinopsis pachanoi (San Pedro cactus),[3] Echinopsis peruviana (Peruvian Torch) as well as the Cactaceae plant and the Fabaceae bean family.[4] It was first isolated and identified in 1897 by the German chemist Arthur Heffter[5] and first synthesized in 1919 by Ernst Späth.[6]
This particular substance is both an important part of and inspiration to Alexander Shulgin's life's work as a psychedelic chemist and researcher. It is a member of the so-called "magical half-dozen" which refers to Shulgin's self-rated most important phenethylamine compounds with psychedelic activity, all of which except mescaline he developed and synthesized himself. They are found within the first book of PiHKAL, and are as follows: Mescaline, DOM, 2C-B, 2C-E, 2C-T-2 and 2C-T-7.[7]
Unlike most highly prohibited substances, mescaline is not considered to be dependence-forming or addictive by the research and medical community.[8] Nevertheless, unpredictable adverse reactions such as anxiety, paranoia, delusions and psychosis can still always occur, particularly among those predisposed to psychiatric disorders.[9] It is highly advised to approach this powerful, long-lasting hallucinogenic substance with the proper amount of precaution and harm reduction practices if using this substance.
Contents
History
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This History and Culture section is a stub. As such, it may contain incomplete or wrong information. You can help by expanding it. |
The ritual use of the Peyote cactus has occurred for at least 5700 years by Native Americans in Mexico. Upon early contact, Europeans noted the use of Peyote in Native American religious ceremonies. Additionally, alternative mescaline-containing cacti such as the San Pedro have a long history of use in the South American continent, spanning from Peru to Ecuador.[10]
The principal psychoactive component in both Peyote and San Pedro, mescaline, was first isolated and identified in 1897 by the German chemist Arthur Heffter[11] and first synthesized in 1919 by Ernst Späth.[12]
In traditional peyote preparations, the top of the cactus is cut at ground level, leaving the large tap roots to grow new 'heads'. These 'heads' are then dried to make disc-shaped buttons and the buttons are chewed to produce the effects or soaked in water to drink. In modern times, users will often grind it into a powder and pour it into gel capsules to avoid having to come into contact with the bitter taste of the cactus. The usual human dose is 200–400 milligrams of mescaline sulfate or 178–356 milligrams of mescaline hydrochloride.[13] The average 76 mm (3.0 in.) button contains about 25 mg mescaline.[14]
Chemistry
Mescaline, or 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine, is a substituted phenethylamine featuring a phenyl ring bound to an amino -NH2 group through an ethyl chain. Mescaline contains three methoxy functional groups CH3O- which are attached to carbons R3, R4, and R5 of the phenyl ring.
Pharmacology
Mescaline acts similarly to other psychedelic agents.[15] It binds to and activates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor with a high affinity.[16] How activating the 5-HT2A receptor leads to psychedelia is still unknown, but it likely somehow involves excitation of neurons in the prefrontal cortex.[17] Mescaline is also known to bind to and activate the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor.[18]
Subjective effects
The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWiki contributors. The listed effects should be taken with a grain of salt and will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier doses will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become much more likely on higher doses and may include serious injury or death.
Physical effects 

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- Stimulation - In terms of its effects on the physical energy levels of the tripper, mescaline is usually considered to be very energetic and stimulating without being forced. For example, when taken in any environment it will usually encourage physical activities such as running, walking, climbing or dancing. In comparison, other more commonly used psychedelics such as psilocin are generally sedating and relaxed.
- Spontaneous physical sensations - The "body high" of mescaline can be described as proportionally intense in comparison to its accompanying visual and cognitive effects. It is manifested in a number of forms including an intense soft, warm glow that grows over the body and is capable of becoming extremely physically euphoric. This is most similar to MDMA and psilocin and is consistently manifested throughout the experience. This is contrasted by an intensely pleasurable yet sharp, cold electric tingling sensation which moves up and down the body. This is most similar to LSD and is also consistently manifested throughout the trip. The final physical effect noticed throughout the experience is an intense energetic pins and needles sensation that manifests itself in the form of a continuously shifting and tingling sensation that travels up and down the body in spontaneous waves. This is most similar to 2C-B and is not entirely consistent throughout the experience.
- Physical euphoria - Relative to other psychedelics, mescaline has been noted for the bodily or physically euphoric aspect that is vaguely reminiscent of other phenethylamines like MDA.
- Nausea - Nausea is commonly reported when consumed in moderate to high doses and either passes instantly once the tripper has vomited or gradually fades by itself as the peak sets in.
- Salivation - This component, while uncommon, seems to be less pronounced than it is with psilocin and other tryptamines and usually does not persist throughout the experience.
- Tactile enhancement - Feelings of enhanced tactile sensations are consistently present at moderate levels throughout most mescaline trips. If Level 8A geometry is reached, an intense sensation of suddenly becoming aware of and being able to feel every single nerve ending across a person's entire body all at once is consistently present.
- Appetite suppression
- Bodily control enhancement
- Stamina enhancement
- Frequent urination
- Increased heart rate
- Increased libido
- Muscle contractions
- Pupil dilation
- Seizure - This is a rarely observed effect but is thought to be able to happen in those predisposed to them, especially while in physically taxing conditions such as being dehydrated, fatigued, undernourished, or overheated.[citation needed]
Visual effects 

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Enhancements
Distortions
- Drifting (melting, flowing, breathing and morphing) - In comparison to other psychedelics, this effect can be described as highly detailed, slow and smooth in motion, static in appearance and realistic in style.
- After images
- Colour shifting
- Scenery slicing
- Symmetrical texture repetition
- Tracers
Geometry
The visual geometry that is present throughout this trip can be described as similar in appearance to that of ayahuasca, 2C-P or psilocin in the sense that its geometry is structured in its organization as well as natural and organic in style. However, in terms of its bright colors, sharp edges and angular corners, it is more similar to that of LSD, 2C-B and 2C-I.
The geometry can be comprehensively described as:
- Organic in geometric style
- Equally abstract and algorithmic in appearance
- Intricate in complexity
- Structured in its organization
- Fast in speed
- Smooth in motion
- Equally large and small in appearance - It has a variable size that spontaneously changes between large and small in appearance.
- Multicoloured in scheme
- Glossy in colour
- Sharp and angular in its corners
- Level 8B - While the geometry produced by mescaline has yet to be fully characterized, the geometry gives off certain attributes which are significantly more likely to result in states of level 8A visual geometry over level 8B at higher doses.
Hallucinatory states
Mescaline is capable of producing a full range of high-level hallucinatory states in a fashion that is more consistent and reproducible than that of many other commonly used psychedelics.
- Transformations
- Internal hallucinations (autonomous entities; settings, sceneries, and landscapes; alterations in perspective and scenarios and plots) - In comparison to other psychedelics such as LSD, mescaline produces a high level of hallucinations embedded within visual geometry. This particular effect commonly contains hallucinations with scenarios, settings, concepts and autonomous entity contact. They are more common within dark environments and can be described as lucid in believability, interactive in style and almost exclusively of a personal, religious, spiritual, science-fiction, fantasy, surreal, nonsensical or transcendental nature in their overall theme.
- External hallucinations (autonomous entities; settings, sceneries, and landscapes; alterations in perspective and scenarios and plots)
Cognitive effects 

-
In comparison to other psychedelics such as psilocin, LSA and ayahuasca, mescaline is significantly more stimulating and fast-paced in terms of the specific style of thought stream produced and contains a large number of potential effects.
- Analysis enhancement - This effect is consistent in its manifestation and outrospection dominant.
- Cognitive euphoria
- Conceptual thinking
- Creativity enhancement
- Delusions
- Emotion enhancement
- Empathy, love, and sociability enhancement - This is commonly reported as being similar to but less prominent than with other commonly used entactogens such as MDMA or MDA.
- Immersion enhancement
- Increased music appreciation
- Memory suppression
- Ego death - This component is less consistent and obtainable when compared to other more common psychedelics such as psilocin or LSD. In mescaline's case this effect is highly dose dependent and is also fairly contingent upon the individual's set and setting.
- Novelty enhancement
- Personal bias suppression
- Personal meaning enhancement
- Autonomous voice communication - This effect is generally reported as being mild in comparison to tryptamines such as DMT and its related analogs.
- Suggestibility enhancement
- Thought acceleration
- Thought connectivity - Due to its mostly lucid headspace this component is significantly less intense in relation to psilocybin.
- Thought loops
- Time distortion
- Wakefulness
Auditory effects 

Multi-sensory effects 

-
- Synaesthesia - In its fullest manifestation, this is a very rare and non-reproducible effect. Increasing the dosage can increase the likelihood of this occurring, but seems to only be a prominent part of the experience among those who are already predisposed to synaesthetic states.
Transpersonal effects 

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- Spirituality enhancement
- Existential self-realization - This effect is typically more prevalent in high doses, but can also occur at common doses as well. For a number of users this effect is less repeatable than it is with traditional tryptamines such as psilocin.
- Unity and interconnectedness
Experience reports
Anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index include:
Additional experience reports can be found here:
Natural sources

- Lophophora williamsii (Peyote), Mescaline 0.4%[20] - Mescaline 3-6%[21][22]
- Lophophora diffusa Hordenine 0.5% of total alkaloid, N-Methyltyramine 0.1% of total alkaloid, Mescaline (trace) [22]
- Echinopsis pachanoi (syn. Trichocereus pachanoi), Mescaline 0.006-0.12%, 0.05% Average[23] - Mescaline 0.01%-2.375%[23]
- Echinopsis peruviana (syn. Trichocereus peruvianus), Mescaline 0.0005%-0.12%[23]
- Echinopsis lageniformis (syn. Trichocereus bridgesii aka Bolivian torch), Mescaline 0.025%,[24] also 3,4-Dimethoxyphenylethylamine 1%, 3-Methoxytyramine 1%, Tyramine 1% - Mescaline 2%[25]
- Echinopsis scopulicola (syn. Trichocereus scopulicola), Mescaline[21]
- Echinopsis spachiana (syn. Trichocereus spachianus), Mescaline[21] - Mescaline[21]
- Echinopsis macrogona (syn. Trichocereus macrogonus), Mescaline 0.01-0.05%[26]
- Echinopsis tacaquirensis subsp. taquimbalensis (syn. Trichocereus taquimbalensis),[27] 0.005-0.025% Mescaline[26]
- Echinopsis terscheckii (syn. Trichocereus terscheckii, Trichocereus werdemannianus)[28] Mescaline 0.005-0.025%[26] - Mescaline 0.01%-2.375%[23]
- Echinopsis valida, Mescaline 0.025%[20]
- Opuntia acanthocarpa, Mescaline[29]
- Opuntia basilaris, Mescaline 0.01%, plus 4-hydroxy-3-5-dimethoxyphenethylamine[29]
- Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica (syn. Opuntia cylindrica)[30] Mescaline[21]
- Cylindropuntia echinocarpa (syn. Opuntia echinocarpa), Mescaline 0.01%, 3-4-Dimethoxyphenethylamine 0.01%, 4-Hydroxy-3-5-Dimethoxyphenethylamine 0.01%[21]
- Cylindropuntia spinosior (syn. Opuntia spinosior), Mescaline 0.00004% [31] Mescaline 0.00004%, 3-Methoxytyramine 0.001%, Tyramine 0.002%, 3-4-Dimethoxyphenethylamine.[21]
- Pelecyphora aselliformis, Hordenine, Mescaline (trace) [22]
Toxicity and harm potential
The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational mescaline use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dose is unknown. This is because the lethal dosage for humans has not been formally studied and there are no known fatal overdoses within the literature.
Anecdotal reports from those who have tried mescaline suggest that there are no negative health effects attributed to simply trying the drug by itself at low to moderate doses and using it very sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed).
Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption.
It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this substance.
Tolerance and addiction potential
Mescaline is not habit-forming and the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. It is most often self-regulating.
Tolerance to the effects of mescaline are built almost immediately after ingestion. After that, it takes about 3 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 7 days to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Mescaline presents cross-tolerance with all psychedelics, meaning that after the consumption of mescaline all psychedelics will have a reduced effect.[32]
Legal status
- Australia: Peyote cacti and other mescaline-containing plants, such as San Pedro, are illegal in Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. In other states such as Victoria and New South Wales, they are legal for ornamental and gardening purposes.[citation needed]
- Brazil: Possession, production and sale is illegal as it is listed on Portaria SVS/MS nº 344.[33]
- Canada: Mescaline is classified as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Peyote is listed as an exemption.[34] Other mescaline containing plants are presumably illegal to possess outside of ornamental and gardening purposes.
- Germany: Mescaline in its raw form and dried mescaline-containing cacti are considered an illegal drug. However, anyone may grow and use peyote without restriction, as it is specifically exempt from legislation.[citation needed]
- Netherlands: Mescaline in its raw form and dried mescaline-containing cacti are considered an illegal drug. However, anyone may grow and use peyote without restriction as it is specifically exempt from legislation.[citation needed]
- United Kingdom: Mescaline in purified powder form is a Class A drug. However, dried cactus can be bought and sold legally.[35]
- United States: Mescaline was made illegal in 1970 by the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act.[36] The drug was prohibited internationally by the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances and is categorized as a Schedule I hallucinogen by the CSA. Mescaline is legal only for certain religious groups (such as the Native American Church) and in scientific and medical research. While mescaline containing cacti of the genus Echinopsis are technically controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act, they are commonly sold publicly as ornamental plants.
See also
External links
References
- ↑ Nichols, D. E. (2016). Psychedelics, (April), 264–355. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.115.011478
- ↑ Drug Identification Bible. Grand Junction, CO: Amera-Chem, Inc. 2007. ISBN 0-9635626-9-X.
- ↑ http://catbull.com/alamut/Bibliothek/1973_d.m._crosby_8158_1.pdf | Cactus Alkaloids. XIX. Crystallization of Mescaline HC1 and 3-Methoxytyramine HC1 from Trichocereus pachanoi
- ↑ http://catbull.com/alamut/Bibliothek/chem%20of%20texas%20acacias.pdf | Chemistry of Acacia's from South Texas
- ↑ https://www.erowid.org/culture/characters/heffter_arthur/heffter_arthur.shtml
- ↑ https://www.erowid.org/archive/rhodium/chemistry/mescaline.alkaloids.html
- ↑ Shulgin, A., & Shulgin, A. (1991). Erowid Online Books: "PIHKAL". Retrieved April 14, 2017.
- ↑ Lüscher, C., & Ungless, M. A. (2006). The Mechanistic Classification of Addictive Drugs, 3(11). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0030437
- ↑ Strassman, R. J. (1984). Adverse reactions to psychedelic drugs. A review of the literature. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 172(10), 577-595. PMID: 6384428
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15990261 | Prehistoric peyote use: alkaloid analysis and radiocarbon dating of archaeological specimens of Lophophora from Texas.
- ↑ https://www.erowid.org/culture/characters/heffter_arthur/heffter_arthur.shtml
- ↑ https://www.erowid.org/archive/rhodium/chemistry/mescaline.alkaloids.html
- ↑ https://www.erowid.org/library/books_online/pihkal/pihkal096.shtml | https://www.erowid.org/library/books_online/pihkal/pihkal096.shtml
- ↑ AJ Giannini, AE Slaby, MC Giannini (1982). Handbook of Overdose and Detoxification Emergencies. New Hyde Park, NY.: Medical Examination Publishing Company. ISBN 978-0-87488-182-0
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14761703 | Mescaline
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9301661 | Dihydrobenzofuran analogues of hallucinogens. 4. Mescaline derivatives.
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17535909 | Mechanism of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor-mediated facilitation of synaptic activity in prefrontal cortex.
- ↑ https://www.erowid.org/psychoactives/pharmacology/pharmacology_article1.shtml
- ↑ http://www.mescaline.com/sanpedro/
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Erowid Cacti Vaults : Visionary Cactus Guide - Mescaline from Sawdust". Retrieved 14 January 2015.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 21.6 "Descriptions of psychoactive Cacti". Retrieved 14 January 2015.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 "Cactus Chemistry By Species" (PDF).
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 Forbidden Fruit Archives
- ↑ "Partial List of Alkaloids in Trichocereus Cacti". Thenook.org. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
- ↑ Trichocereus
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 Partial List of Alkaloids in Trichocereus Cacti
- ↑ "Echinopsis tacaquirensis ssp. taquimbalensis". Retrieved 14 January 2015.
- ↑ "Cardon Grande (Echinopsis terscheckii)". Retrieved 14 January 2015.
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 Lycaeum
- ↑ Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica <http://www.desert-tropicals.com>
- ↑ "Cane Cholla (Cylindropuntia spinosior)". Retrieved 14 January 2015.
- ↑ Psychedelics and Society by Michael Valentine Smith | https://www.erowid.org/archive/rhodium/chemistry/psychedelicchemistry/chapter1.html
- ↑ http://portal.anvisa.gov.br/documents/10181/3115436/%281%29RDC_130_2016_.pdf/fc7ea407-3ff5-4fc1-bcfe-2f37504d28b7
- ↑ http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/Search/Search.aspx?txtS3archA11=mescaline&txtT1tl3=%22Controlled+Drugs+and+Substances+Act%22&h1ts0n1y=0&ddC0nt3ntTyp3=Acts.
- ↑ http://www.erowid.org/plants/cacti/cacti_law2.shtml
- ↑ http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/index.html | List of Controlled Substances