MESCALINE | SAN PEDRO | HUACHUMA | PEYOTE

Due to the possibility of intense experiences that generate anxiety, people with a history of cardiovascular diseases, particularly those who are taking medication to control these pathologies and who have reduced physical activity due to medical advice should refrain from using peyote.

Peyote has slightly stimulating effects, so it should not be combined with other stimulating substances.

As with any psychedelic substance, it is extremely important to consider three factors when it comes to reducing the risks associated with its use: the dose, the set, or one’s prior mental state, and the setting, meaning the context in which it is used.

Regarding the dose it is important to know that the effects of mescaline and peyote can take up to two hours to appear, so one can make the mistake of believing that a dose was insufficient, re-administer and wind up taking a dose that is too high. It is important to calculate the dose in advance and wait for a sufficient amount of time before deciding to increase the dose.

As with any classical psychedelic, the effects of mescaline and peyote depend to a large extent on the mental state of the person taking it. Some researchers have called psychedelics “nonspecific amplifiers of consciousness,” so their effects can be vastly variable from person to person, as well as on different occasions. Therefore, it is necessary to be cautious when using peyote in situations of stress, depression, worries or crucial difficulties. In addition, the effects depend on the context in which these substances are used, as well as the company and the physical environment. For this reason, it is important to plan the way in which the peyote is going to be used appropriately.

People with a history of psychiatric conditions such as psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, suicidal thoughts and others should refrain from using mescaline if it is not in a clinical context, as there is a risk of increased symptoms and decompensation.

As with any psychedelic substance, unconscious material may emerge during the peyote experience. These experiences can be emotionally intense and sometimes involve feelings of fear, anguish and difficulty, in the same way that they can cause experiences of joy and ecstasy. For this reason, it is usually recommended to have an open and accepting attitude towards the actual content of the experience.

Studies conducted among the Native American population and members of peyote churches have evaluated the cognitive performance and the psychological state of people who have consumed peyote for years in these contexts. The results indicate that there is no evidence of psychological or cognitive deficits among those who have used peyote in the Native American Church for extended periods. These results, although interesting, can not be extrapolated to other contexts and forms of use.