Addiction Drug Use Hallucinogens What to Know About Peyote Use By Buddy T Buddy T Facebook Twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 12, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Steven Gans, MD Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print kedsirin jaidee / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What Is Peyote? Effects of Peyote Common Peyote Side Effects Signs of Peyote Use Common Questions About Peyote Peyote Tolerance, Dependence, and Withdrawal How to Get Help for Peyote Misuse What Is Peyote? Peyote is a small, spineless cactus that contains psychoactive compounds, including mescaline. The plant has been used for about six thousand years by native tribes for religious and healing purposes. It holds spiritual significance for Native American people, who used it as part of religious sacraments. The plant, known by the scientific names Lophophora williamsii or Lophophora diffusa, is found in the southwest United States, northern Mexico, and Peru. It continues to be used in religious practices that involve ingesting peyote during night-long prayer ceremonies. Peyote's principal active ingredient is mescaline, a psychedelic compound that can also be man-made through chemical synthesis. Peyote buttons (protrusions found on the tops of the cactus plants) are usually dried and then chewed. They can also be soaked and consumed as a liquid (such as tea), ground into a powder that can be taken in capsules, or smoked with tobacco or cannabis. As a Schedule I substance, peyote is considered an illegal and addictive drug in the United States. However, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) Amendments of 1994 gives Native Americans the legal right to use peyote for their religious services. The exemption has been an ongoing and contentious issue for years, although case law has determined that even members of the Native American Church who do not have Native American ancestry can legally use peyote in this context. Also Known As: Peyote is also known as buttons, cactus, mesc, peyoto, blue cap, broken, bad seed, britton, hikori, hikuli, half moon, hyatari, P, nubs, seni, and tops Drug Class: Peyote is classified as a hallucinogen. Common Side Effects: Peyote is known to cause nausea and vomiting, increased body temperature, hallucinations, altered perceptions of space and time, impaired motor coordination, euphoria, and anxiety. How to Recognize Peyote Peyote buttons (the “crown” or top of the peyote cactus) look like disc-shaped buttons. They can be fresh or dried. People can chew them or soak them in water to make an intoxicating liquid.Since peyote has a bitter taste, it is also ground into an off-white powder that is placed inside a capsule to be swallowed or sprinkled into a cigarette or marijuana joint to be smoked. Effects of Peyote Peyote is a hallucinogen, meaning it can cause profound distortions in a person's perceptions of reality (known as hallucinations), including seeing, hearing, and feeling things that seem real but are not. Hallucinogens are thought to affect neural circuits in the brain involving the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays a role in mood, sensory perception, sleep, hunger, body temperature, sexual behavior, and muscle control. 1:41 Click Play to Learn More About Peyote Use This video has been medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE. The effects of peyote (which can range from a deeply mystical transcendental state to a "bad trip" and dysphoric symptoms) will depend on the potency and amount that is ingested, as well as the perons’s expectations, mood, surroundings, and mental health history. Many people describe the high as dream-like. The effects are often intensified when the drug is combined with substances like alcohol or stimulants, which can potentially harm a person's mental health. People can begin to experience the drug's effects (as well as physical discomfort, including nausea, sweating, and chills) within 30 minutes of ingesting peyote. The effects can last up to two hours before reaching a peak. The hallucinogenic effects of peyote typically peak around two hours after ingestion, and gradually decline over the next eight to 12 hours. Some compare the peaks to LSD trips. They may profoundly alter perceptions of self and reality, as well as intensify emotions. The effects are also similar to other hallucinogens like psilocybin (the hallucinogen in magic mushrooms) and PCP. What the Experts Say According to a 2014 study on the prevalence of peyote use among Native Americans, a fairly large surge in the number of Native Americans who used peyote was seen for roughly four years after the AIRFA passed. However, researchers believe that the noted increase was likely due to more people admitting to using peyote once it was legal. Since that time, the number has leveled to just under 10%. Peyote use in the rest of the U.S. population is between 1% to 2%. However, most data sources that quantify drug use exclude peyote, making it difficult to gauge the full scope of use. Though peyote can cause negative effects, research that has been done indicates that ingesting peyote does not appear to be life-threatening. Most adverse effects of the drug go away in time. However, the mescaline in peyote is known to be potentially harmful to developing fetuses. If you're pregnant or think you're pregnant, you should not use peyote. Off-Label or Recently Approved Uses Peyote is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled drug, and its use is illegal in the U.S. However, peyote has been used by Native Americans for thousands of years in religious ceremonies and to treat physical ailments. There remains an exception for members of the Native American Church. When assisted by a healer or "roadman" (similar to a priest or minister), members use peyote to facilitate communication with the Great Spirit (also called the Creator). Peyote and other hallucinogens are also being studied as possible treatments for mental health conditions that are associated with perceptual distortions, including schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and dementia. Common Peyote Side Effects The amount of mescaline needed to produce hallucinations is very small—usually 0.3 to 0.5 grams. The effects can last up to 12 hours but will depend on the person's size, metabolism, and how much they ingested. The physical effects of peyote are similar to those of LSD and may include: Appetite lossDifficulty sleepingFlushingIncreased blood pressureIncreased body temperatureIncreased heart rateNumbnessProfound sweatingSevere nausea and vomitingUncoordinated movementsWeakness Possible mental effects can include: Altered awarenessAltered feelings and perceptionsAltered sense of time (i.e., it passes slowly or quickly)AnxietyEuphoriaHallucinationsInability to focus or concentratePanicParanoiaSense of relaxation According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, not much is known about the long-term effects of hallucinogens, including peyote. However, it is known that repeated or long-term use of hallucinogens can cause the following effects: Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD): About 4% of people who use hallucinogens (including peyote and LSD) develop HPPD. The condition causes flashbacks of hallucinations and visual disturbances that do not go away and can interfere with a person's daily life. Symptoms can be mistaken for neurological disorders such as a stroke or a brain tumor.Prolonged psychosis: Though it is also rare, symptoms of the condition include visual disturbances and scattered thinking, as well as periods of paranoia or mood disturbances. Persistent psychosis and HPPD are both rare in people who use peyote, but they can occur. The conditions may begin without warning and have been reported even after a single exposure to peyote. Generally, these symptoms occur in people with a history of psychiatric problems. Signs of Peyote Use According to the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, if a loved one is using peyote, there will be some telltale signs. The following might indicate a person is using peyote: Disordered thinking or detachment from realityDry mouthExcessive sweatingFlushed skinLoss of appetitePanicParanoiaSensory confusion (such as “seeing” sounds or “hearing” colors)Sleep problemsUncoordinated movements When to Seek Help If you feel physically ill or mentally out of control, call 911 or ask a trusted friend (preferably someone who is not intoxicated) to go with you to the nearest emergency department. The ED staff is not looking to get you in trouble but to keep you safe and help you get the best treatment for your current state. Common Questions About Peyote Peyote is commonly believed to be a "safe" drug because of its natural origins and long history of use in religious ceremonies. However, peyote use is not without its negative effects. There is also confusion about peyote's legal status under the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. The act ensured that native people can exercise their traditional religious ceremonies, including those that incorporate peyote use. While legitimate religious use is permitted under the law, the recreational use of peyote is illegal in the United States. However, it is legal to grow peyote in Texas. Licensed peyote distributors must be registered with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). While a fatal overdose is unlikely, peyote can still have a number of side effects that can put a person's life and health at risk. Peyote Tolerance, Dependence, and Withdrawal Like other psychedelics, peyote is not necessarily addictive when used sparingly, and in some cases, can be used to treat addiction and substance use. However, people who use peyote are more susceptible to building a high tolerance, requiring the use of more and more of the drug to achieve the same effects. Peyote tolerance can build quickly with regular use and in as few as three to six days. How Long Does Peyote Stay in Your System? Peyote can be detected in the human body for as few as two days and for up to three months. The length of time that peyote stays in a person's system depends on individual factors, such as metabolism, body mass, age, hydration level, physical activity, and health conditions. There isn't a definite period of time that peyote can remain in the body. However, there is an estimated range of times during which peyote can be found with certain tests. Blood: Up to 24 hoursSaliva: 1 to 10 daysUrine: 2 to 3 daysHair follicle: Up to 90 days Screening for peyote use is not included in routine drug tests, Mescaline must be specifically tested for. Addiction Peyote does not appear to be addictive, but further research is needed to determine if addiction is possible. Some general signs of addiction to keep in mind include: Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from a tripTaking higher doses than necessary to achieve a greater highTolerance (needing more of the drug to get the effects experienced the first time)Using peyote despite any consequences or negative effects If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Withdrawal While more research is needed to determine the specific withdrawal symptoms linked to peyote, the drug has been known to cause psychological symptoms of withdrawal, such as depression or dysphoria. How to Get Help for Peyote Misuse If you or someone you love is showing signs of peyote misuse, or any other type of illicit substance, it's important to know that help is available. While there's no specific treatment for peyote addiction, evidence-based addiction treatments can help. Treatments that are commonly used include: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing the thought patterns that contribute to drug use. Support groups: Talking to supportive and encouraging people with similar experiences can also be helpful while you are recovering. There are many different types of sobriety support groups, so it is possible to find the option that works best for you. Life skills training: Developing new life skills and learning effective strategies for coping with stress can also be beneficial. Instead of using substances to cope, you can rely on other strategies that will be more productive and less harmful. Once you have successfully stopped using a substance, relapse prevention strategies, such as mindfulness-based relapse prevention, can help you stay abstinent over the long term. If you are struggling with relapse, talk to your doctor about options that can help. 14 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Prince MA, O'Donnell MB, Stanley LR, Swaim RC. Examination of recreational and spiritual peyote use among American Indian youth. J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2019;80(3):366-370. doi:10.15288/jsad.2019.80.366 Cassels BK, Sáez-Briones P. Dark classics in chemical neuroscience: Mescaline. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2018;9(10):2448-2458. doi:10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00215 Congress.gov. H.R.4230 - American Indian Religious Freedom Act Amendments of 1994. Lee HM, Roth BL. Hallucinogen actions on human brain revealed. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012;109(6):1820-1821. doi:10.1073/pnas.1121358109 Sanz C, Zamberlan F, Erowid E, Erowid F, Tagliazucchi E. The experience elicited by hallucinogens presents the highest similarity to dreaming within a large database of psychoactive substance reports. Front Neurosci. 2018;12:7. doi:10.3389/fnins.2018.00007 Cleveland Clinic. Hallucinogens: LSD, Peyote, Psilocybin and PCP. Prue B. Prevalence of reported peyote use 1985-2010 effects of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1994. Am J Addict. 2014;23(2):156-161. doi:10.1111/j.1521-0391.2013.12083.x Dinis-Oliveira RJ, Pereira CL, da Silva DD. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of peyote and mescaline: Clinical and forensic repercussions. Curr Mol Pharmacol. 2019;12(3):184-194. doi:10.2174/1874467211666181010154139 Stephens S, Yates LM. Recreational Drugs. In: Schaefer C, Peters PW, Miller RK, editors. Drugs During Pregnancy and Lactation, Treatment Options and Risk Assessment. 3rd edition. Cambridge, MA: Academic Press; 2015. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-408078-2.00022-6 Garcia-Romeu A, Kersgaard B, Addy PH. Clinical applications of hallucinogens: A review. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2016;24(4):229-268. doi:10.1037/pha0000084 National Institute on Drug Abuse. What are hallucinogens?. Krebs TS, Johansen PØ. Psychedelics and mental health: A population study. PLoS One. 2013;8(8):e63972. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0063972 Texas Department of Public Safety. Peyote. Nichols DE. Psychedelics. Pharmacol Rev. 2016;68(2):264-355. doi:10.1124/pr.115.011478 Additional Reading Hermle L, Simon M, Ruchsow M, Geppert M. Hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2012;2(5):199–205. doi:10.1177/2045125312451270 National Institute on Drug Abuse. What Are Hallucinogens? National Institutes of Health. 2016. U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Drugs of Abuse: A DEA Resource Guide. 2017. By Buddy T Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Get Treatment for Addiction Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.