Mescaline cacti are special types of cacti that contain the psychoactive alkaloid mescaline. Among the best known are the peyote cactus (Lophophora williamsii) and the San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi). These plants grow mainly in the desert regions of North and South America.

Mescaline, which is found in these cacti, is a powerful hallucinogen that can cause intense visual and auditory hallucinations. It is known for its ability to alter consciousness and facilitate deep spiritual experiences.

Main characteristics of mescaline cacti:

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii): This small, spherical cactus is gray-green in color and grows in the desert regions of Mexico and southwestern Texas. It has a slow growth rate and rarely reaches more than 5 cm in height.
San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi): This cactus is columnar and can grow up to 6 meters tall. It is native to the Andean regions of Peru, Ecuador and northern Chile. San Pedro grows faster than peyote and is easier to cultivate.

The history of mescaline cacti

The use of mescaline cacti has a long and distinguished history, deeply rooted in the traditions and cultures of indigenous peoples.

Early use:

Peyote: Over 5,000 years ago, the peyote cactus was already being used by indigenous peoples in Mexico and the southwestern United States. Archaeological findings prove that peyote was used in religious ceremonies to promote spiritual visions and perform healing rituals. The Huichol, Tarahumara and other indigenous groups revere peyote as a sacred plant and still use it in their traditional ceremonies today.
San Pedro: The San Pedro cactus has an equally impressive history in the Andean regions of South America. The Moche culture in Peru produced elaborate pottery depicting San Pedro cacti over 2,000 years ago. In the rituals of the Andean people, the cactus is used as a means of spiritual healing and to connect with the spiritual world.

Modern use:

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Western researchers and scientists discovered the psychoactive properties of mescaline. One of the best-known pioneers was the German pharmacologist Arthur Heffter, who isolated mescaline from the peyote cactus for the first time in 1897. Later, writers such as Aldous Huxley in his book "The Doors of Perception" and psychologists such as Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert (later known as Ram Dass) conducted research and experiments with mescaline to explore the limits of human consciousness.

Effect of mescaline cacti

Mescaline is a powerful hallucinogen that can cause profound changes in consciousness and perception. The effects of mescaline can last between 8 and 12 hours and vary depending on dosage, individual sensitivity and environment.

Typical effects:

Visual hallucinations: One of the most striking effects of mescaline is the intense visual hallucinations. Users report bright colors, moving patterns and altered perceptions of light and space. These visual effects can occur with both open and closed eyes.
Emotional experiences: Mescaline can trigger strong emotional reactions. Users often feel more intensely connected to their surroundings and the people around them. These emotional experiences can range from deep joy and love to fear and uncertainty, depending on the context and the user's inner state.
Mental clarity: Some users report increased mental clarity and deep insights. Mescaline can expand consciousness and open up new perspectives on personal and spiritual issues. These mental experiences are often described as life-changing.
Physical effects: In addition to the mental effects, mescaline can also cause physical effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. These effects are often strongest at the beginning of the experience and diminish as the trip progresses.

Safety aspects:

The use of mescaline should be approached with caution and respect. It is important to prepare well and choose the right environment. People with pre-existing mental illnesses or heart problems should refrain from using mescaline. It is also advisable to find out about the legal situation in your region and to handle the plant responsibly.

Growing mescaline cacti

Growing mescaline cacti can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience that requires patience and care. Here are the key steps and tips to successfully grow mescaline cacti.

Seeds or cuttings

There are two main methods of growing mescaline cacti: sowing seeds and propagation by cuttings.

Seeds:

Sowing: Sowing cactus seeds requires patience, as it can take several weeks to months for the seeds to germinate. The seeds should be scattered on the surface of a well-draining substrate and lightly covered with soil.
Germination: Germination takes place best at a constant temperature of around 20-25°C. It is important to keep the seeds evenly moist but avoid waterlogging. A plastic cover or mini-greenhouse can help to regulate the humidity.

Cuttings:

Removal: When propagating by cuttings, small side shoots or "pups" are carefully separated from the mother plant. These cuttings should be allowed to dry for a few days to heal the cut and prevent rotting.
Planting: After drying, the cuttings are placed in a well-draining substrate. They should only be watered lightly until they have formed roots, which may take a few weeks.

Substrate

A well-drained substrate is crucial for the growth of mescaline cacti. The substrate should allow water to drain away quickly to prevent root rot.

Composition: A mixture of cactus soil, coarse sand and perlite or pumice is ideal. This ensures good aeration of the roots and prevents waterlogging.
pH value: The pH value of the substrate should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6-7) to provide optimum growing conditions.

Light

Mescaline cacti need plenty of light to grow healthily, but they should be protected from direct, intense midday sun, especially in the hot summer months.

Location: A bright location with indirect sunlight or filtered light is ideal. A south-facing window or a spot under a permeable outdoor shade are good options.
Artificial lighting: Artificial light can be used indoors. Special plant lamps with a broad light spectrum are best suited to promote growth.

Water

Watering mescaline cacti requires balance, as both drought and overwatering can be detrimental.

Frequency: During the growing season (spring and summer) the cacti should be watered regularly as soon as the top layer of soil is dry. During the dormant periods (fall and winter), watering should be reduced as the plants require less water.
Method: It is important to fully moisten the soil and allow excess water to drain away. Avoid leaving water in the saucer to prevent root rot.

Are mescaline cacti legal?

In Germany, the legal situation of mescaline cacti is complex and nuanced. It is important to be familiar with the legal provisions in order to avoid legal problems.

Legal classification

Mescaline, the psychoactive substance found in peyote (Lophophora williamsii) and San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi), is subject to the Narcotics Act (BtMG) in Germany. Mescaline itself is classified as a non-marketable narcotic, which means that the production, trade and possession of mescaline are punishable by law.

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)

Prohibition: Peyote, which contains mescaline, is illegal in Germany. The cultivation, sale and possession of this plant are prohibited as it falls under the BtMG.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions for peyote, even for ritual or spiritual purposes. Any handling of this plant is punishable by law.

San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi) and Peruvian cactus (Echinopsis peruviana)

Legality: San Pedro and the Peruvian cactus are not specifically listed in the BtMG, as these cacti are also popular as ornamental plants without psychoactive use. Therefore, the possession and cultivation of these cacti is not illegal in Germany.
Extraction: However, it is illegal to extract mescaline from these cacti or to use them in a way that is aimed at obtaining mescaline. This would violate the BtMG and would be prosecuted.

Import and trade

Import restrictions: The import of mescaline cacti, especially peyote, is strictly regulated and in most cases prohibited. The import of San Pedro and other non-listed cactus species is generally permitted as long as they are not intended for mescaline extraction.
Trade: The trade in peyote is illegal, while the sale of San Pedro and similar cacti is permitted under certain conditions. Sellers should ensure that their customers are aware of and comply with the legal requirements.

Buying mescaline cacti

Thinking about getting mescaline cacti? Then there are a few things you should know in order to proceed safely and ethically. Here is the most important information:

Legal regulations

In Germany, there are a few rules you need to follow:

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii): Sorry, but peyote is illegal in Germany. This plant contains mescaline and falls under the Narcotics Act (BtMG).
San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi) and Peruvian cactus (Echinopsis peruviana): Good news! You can buy and own these cacti as long as you don't use them for mescaline extraction. They are perfectly fine as ornamental plants and can often be found in garden centers and online stores.

Trusted sources

If you want to buy mescaline cacti, please only do so from reputable suppliers. Here are a few tips:

Nurseries and garden centers: Check out local nurseries or specialized garden centers. They often have a good selection and you can get healthy plants.
Online stores: There are many online stores that offer mescaline cacti. Look out for stores that clearly state where their plants come from and that use ethical cultivation methods. Reviews from other buyers can be worth their weight in gold here.
Collectors and cactus clubs: Cactus enthusiasts and clubs are also a super source. Here you can often get rare plants and lots of tips on care.

Sustainability and ethics

The demand for mescaline cacti is high, but we shouldn't forget about the environment. Here are a few tips on how to stay sustainable:

Sustainable growing practices: buy plants from sustainable sources that don't endanger wild populations. Some dealers grow their own plants - feel free to ask!
Ethical trade: Support traders who work transparently and fairly. This protects natural habitats and respects the cultural significance of the plants.

Care and cultivation

Once you have your cactus, proper care is the be-all and end-all:

Location: Find a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can be harmful, as can too little light.
Watering: Water sparingly, especially in winter. Waterlogging can cause root rot, so be careful.
Substrate: A well-draining cactus substrate is ideal for your plant to grow well.

Buying mescaline cacti is not rocket science, but there are a few things to bear in mind. Follow the law, buy from trustworthy suppliers and take good care of your plants. This way, you can enjoy the fascinating world of mescaline cacti and do something good at the same time.

Sustainability and ethical aspects of mescaline cacti

When you are interested in mescaline cacti, it is important to think about the environment and ethical aspects. Here are a few tips on how to deal with these special plants in a sustainable and fair way:

Sustainable cultivation methods

The demand for mescaline cacti is high, but wild populations should not be endangered. Keep the following in mind:

No wild collection: leave the wild cacti in their natural environment. They are often endangered and their removal can disrupt the ecosystem.
Sustainable sources: Buy your plants from dealers who work sustainably and grow their own cacti. Feel free to ask where the plants come from and how they were grown.

Ethical trade

When buying mescaline cacti, it's not just about the plant itself, but also about how it is traded:

Fair practices: Support traders who work transparently and fairly. This also means that the workers are paid fairly and work under good conditions.
Cultural sensitivity: Many mescaline cacti have deep cultural significance for indigenous peoples. Respect these traditions and inform yourself about the cultural background of the plants.

Awareness and responsibility

As a lover of mescaline cacti, you have a responsibility towards nature and people:

Education: Educate yourself about the ecological and cultural impact of your actions. Knowledge is the first step towards a responsible approach.
Active conservation: Support projects and organizations that work to protect cacti and their natural habitats.

Mescaline cacti are fascinating plants, but they should be treated with respect and responsibility. By acting sustainably and ethically, you are helping to protect these unique cacti and their natural environment. In this way, you can enjoy the beauty and special properties of mescaline cacti and do something good at the same time.

Conclusion

Mescaline cacti are fascinating plants with a rich cultural history and unique psychoactive properties. Whether you are interested in Peyote or San Pedro, there are many aspects to consider - from the legal situation and ethical considerations to the correct cultivation techniques.

Legal situation: In Germany, the handling of mescaline is strictly regulated. While peyote is illegal, San Pedro and other cacti can be bought and kept as ornamental plants as long as they are not used for mescaline extraction.

Sustainability and ethics: When buying and caring for mescaline cacti, it is important to look for sustainable and ethical sources. Support dealers who work fairly and transparently and inform yourself about the cultural significance of these plants.

Cultivation and care: Growing mescaline cacti requires patience and care. Whether from seed or cuttings, the right care - from the choice of substrate to light conditions and watering - is crucial for healthy plants.

With responsible handling and careful care, you can enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of these plants while helping to protect their natural habitats. Mescaline cacti offer a wonderful way to explore nature and its secrets while acting ethically and sustainably.

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Fachautor und Biochemier Niklas Bergmann

Niklas Bergmann, Fachautor

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