United States Drug Enforcement Administration

Peyote is a small, spineless cactus. The active ingredient in peyote is the hallucinogen mescaline.

Buttons, Cactus, Mesc, Peyoto

The fresh or dried buttons are chewed or soaked in water to produce an intoxicating liquid. Peyote buttons may also be ground into a powder that can be placed inside gelatin capsules to be swallowed, or smoked with a leaf material such as cannabis or tobacco.

Following the consumption of peyote and mescaline, users may experience: Intense nausea, vomiting, dilation of the pupils, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, a rise in body temperature that causes heavy perspiration, headaches, muscle weakness, and impaired motor coordination. Abuse of peyote and mescaline will cause varying degrees of: Illusions, hallucinations, altered perception of space and time, and altered body image. Users may also experience euphoria, which is sometimes followed by feelings of anxiety.