All substances
Classic psychedelic
San Pedro (Huachuma)
Echinopsis pachanoi
One of the oldest psychoactive plants in the Americas with archaeological evidence from Chavin de Huantar dating to 1300 BCE. Used by Andean curanderos in mesa ceremonies. The colonial Spanish named it 'San Pedro' (Saint Peter) as the key that opens the gates of heaven.
At a glance
- Onset
- 1-2 hours
- Duration
- 10-14 hours
- Origin
- Natural - large columnar cactus native to the Andes Mountains of Peru and Ecuador
Reported effects
- warm euphoria
- heart-opening experiences
- connection with nature
- gentle visual effects
- emotional healing
- spiritual insight
- increased empathy
Legal status
Mescaline is Schedule I in the US, but San Pedro cactus is legal to grow as ornamental plant in most countries. Legal and culturally integrated in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador.
Research
Limited formal clinical research. 2021 survey by Agin-Liebes et al. found mescaline users reported lasting improvements in depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Heffter Research Institute has expressed interest.