John Miller
Peyote is often confused with mushrooms, especially psychedelic mushrooms, due to their similar effects as hallucinogens. Both substances are abused and can cause addiction, with high rates of use leading to high tolerance and potential medical emergencies. Peyote, derived from the cactus plant, contains the active ingredient mescaline, which is a powerful intoxicant that induces hallucinations and a feeling of euphoria. Mushrooms, on the other hand, contain psilocybin and are typically ingested orally by being soaked in hot water, eaten alone, or prepared with other foods. While peyote is often referred to as buttons, peyoto, or simply cactus, mushrooms are commonly known as shrooms or magic mushrooms. Despite their similarities, it is important to distinguish between peyote and mushrooms due to their unique active ingredients and potential risks associated with consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is peyote a mushroom? | No, it is a cactus |
| Street names | Buttons, peyoto, cactus, shrooms, mushrooms, or magic mushrooms |
| Active ingredient | Mescaline |
| Common effects | Euphoria, hallucinations, increased body temperature and heart rate, heavy sweating, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, and lack of coordination |
| High doses | Can result in extreme anxiety, panic, or fear |
| Regular use | Can lead to increased tolerance in less than a week |
| Addiction | Possible, but most people who struggle with addiction report different drugs of choice |
| Legality | Members of the Native American Church can legally use peyote for sacramental purposes; otherwise, the species is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) |
| Historical use | Used as a medicinal plant to treat high fevers, headaches, and other ailments; ritual use in Mexico and North America dates back to pre-Columbian times |
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What You'll Learn
Peyote is a cactus, not a mushroom
Despite its name, peyote is not a mushroom but a type of cactus. The peyote cactus is a psychoactive plant that contains the powerful intoxicant mescaline, which is a vision-inducing alkaloid. Mescaline is the active ingredient in peyote, and it is extracted from the "buttons" of the cactus, which are found on the crown of the plant. These buttons are either chewed, soaked in water and swallowed, or dried and ground into a powder, which is then smoked or ingested.
Peyote has a long history of ritual use in Mexico and North America, with archaeological evidence of its use dating back to pre-Columbian times. For the Huichol people of North-central Mexico, the peyote cactus is a sacred plant, representing the origin of the universe. The Mescalero Apache of the same region are believed to have introduced the ceremonial use of peyote in the 1700s, and it has since become widespread among many tribes.
The Native American Church is legally permitted to use peyote for sacramental purposes. However, the species is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
While peyote is often referred to as "mushrooms" or "magic mushrooms" on the street, it is important to distinguish it from actual mushrooms that contain psilocybin, which are also sold illicitly. The misuse of peyote can lead to negative side effects, including increased body temperature and heart rate, heavy sweating, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, and lack of coordination. In some cases, high doses or an adverse reaction can result in extreme anxiety, panic, or fear.
In summary, peyote is a cactus, not a mushroom, and it has distinct cultural and ritual significance for indigenous peoples in North America, as well as potential risks associated with its misuse.
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Mescaline is the active ingredient in peyote
The use of peyote has a deep history in Mexico and North America, where it has been used in religious and ceremonial rituals by indigenous peoples such as the Huichol, Tarahumara, and Yaqui. The peyote cactus was also historically used as a medicinal plant to treat ailments such as high fevers and headaches. Today, members of the Native American Church are legally permitted to use peyote for sacramental purposes, while the species is otherwise protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
The effects of ingesting peyote or mescaline can include hallucinations, increased body temperature and heart rate, heavy sweating, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, and lack of coordination. It can also induce a sense of euphoria. However, high doses or negative reactions to the substance can lead to extreme anxiety, panic, or fear. Regular use of peyote can result in increased tolerance within a short period, and there is a potential for addiction, similar to other hallucinogenic substances.
While peyote and mushrooms are both hallucinogenic substances, they have distinct active ingredients and effects. Mescaline, the active ingredient in peyote, has a different chemical structure and sources compared to the psilocybin found in psychedelic mushrooms. Additionally, the methods of ingestion and the cultural significance associated with peyote and mushrooms may vary, contributing to the unique characteristics of each substance.
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Peyote is used in religious ceremonies
Peyote is a chemical derived from the bud of a spineless cactus species called Lophophora williamsii. It is commonly associated with getting high, but it is also used for religious purposes, particularly by the Native American Church. This church is a fusion of traditional Native American beliefs and Christianity, with the consumption of peyote being its central practice.
Peyote is often consumed by chewing its buds or drinking it as a tea. Religious ceremonies involving peyote can last all night, from Saturday night to Sunday morning. Singing, drumming, dancing, scripture reading, prayer, and the sharing of spiritual ideas are often included in these ceremonies.
The use of peyote in religious ceremonies is rooted in the traditions of Native American tribes, who consider the plant sacred. Ingesting peyote is believed to bring users closer to understanding the spiritual world, with larger doses facilitating more intense hallucinations and a deeper interaction with the spiritual realm. Smaller doses, often consumed in a drink, produce milder effects similar to those of smoking cannabis.
The Native American Church was established in 1918 to protect the religious use of peyote, which was facing legal issues due to increasing drug control regulations in the United States. While peyote use is generally illegal in the country, an exception is made for its use in Native American church rituals, with restrictions on certain activities while under its influence, similar to the regulations surrounding alcohol.
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Peyote and mushrooms are both hallucinogens
The active ingredient in peyote is mescaline, which belongs to the phenethylamine family of compounds. Mescaline has a chemical structure similar to the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. It is typically ingested by chewing the "buttons" removed from the crown of the peyote cactus or by soaking them in water and then swallowing the liquid. Alternatively, the buttons can be dried and ground into a powder, which can then be smoked or ingested orally.
On the other hand, the hallucinogenic effects of mushrooms are attributed to psilocybin, which is found in certain mushroom species. These mushrooms are often sold on the street and can be ingested orally by making tea, eating them directly, or incorporating them into food. However, consuming mushrooms in this way carries risks as they may be poisonous or contain pathogens that can cause illness or even death.
Both peyote and mushrooms can induce hallucinations and are associated with a range of physical and psychological effects. Peyote use can lead to increased body temperature, heart rate, heavy sweating, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, and lack of coordination. Similarly, mushroom ingestion may result in a medical emergency, particularly for individuals with mental health disorders or those who consume large doses.
While addiction to peyote and mushrooms is possible, most individuals struggling with substance abuse report other drugs as their primary choice. Nonetheless, regular use of these hallucinogens can lead to increased tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effects, which can be dangerous and trigger medical emergencies.
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Mushrooms have medicinal properties
Mushrooms are a fungus that has been consumed by humans for thousands of years. They are a good source of nutrition and flavour and are also known to have medicinal properties.
Medicinal mushrooms have been found to have a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. They are also used to support immune function, enhance mental clarity, and promote overall well-being. The lion's mane mushroom, for example, is known for its neurotrophic properties. Shiitake mushrooms are great for immunity and liver health and they support the cardiovascular system. They also contain eritadenine, a compound that can help maintain cholesterol levels within a healthy range.
Mushrooms are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. They are also a good source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones. Mushrooms are also a good source of prebiotics, which stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
In addition to their medicinal properties, mushrooms are a good substitute for red meat as they are low in calories, fat, and cholesterol. They are also naturally low in sodium, which can help to lower blood pressure.
Overall, mushrooms have a wide range of medicinal properties that can improve everyday health and ward off chronic diseases.
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Frequently asked questions
No, peyote is not a mushroom. It is a cactus, specifically the peyote cactus, and its active ingredient is mescaline.
Peyote triggers an increase in body temperature and heart rate, heavy sweating, muscle weakness, nausea and vomiting, and lack of coordination. Hallucinations and a feeling of euphoria are also common among users.
The "'buttons'" of the peyote cactus are either chewed, soaked in water and swallowed, or dried and ground into a powder. This powder can then be put into a capsule or sprinkled on top of a marijuana joint or cigarette and smoked.
