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Lophophora williamsii - Peyote
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1. Lophophora williamsii names: Back to top
Family: Cactaceae
Botanical Name: Lophophora williamsii
Extensions: N/A
English Name(s): Peyote
Synonyms:
Related Species: Lophophora diffusa, Lophophora fricii, Lophophora koehresii
1.1 Lophophora williamsii Taxonomy: Back to top
For more detailed information on Lophophora williamsii taxonomy and related subjects, we refer you to our Cactus Culture section which deals with cactus specifically.
2. Method of use : Back to top
Use as a hallucinogen is generally done via oral consumption. Any manner of ingestion is effective, the most commonly utilised methods are eating them fresh, drying them and chewing, and drying and making a tea. The traditional way of preparation of peyote is to cut the above ground stem, the green part known as the "crown" or "button", picking out the wool and either slicing or leaving whole to eat fresh or dry. Dried peyote can be either chewed, which is less convenient, or left in hot water to make a strong tea. No matter the route one takes, it is rather bitter!
Care should be taken when harvesting plants! First we feel wild plants should not be harvested, Peyote is extremely easy to cultivate. Regardless, one should harvest in a way that promotes new growth without killing the plant. To do this, cut the crown slightly above ground level leaving some of the areoles, wooly spots, intact. This is the only spot a topped peyote can grow new stems from.
3. The experience: Back to top
The hallucinogenic properties of Peyote are generally credited to a high concentration of mescaline. The effects of mescaline are generally some nausea at the beginning and afterwards a general feeling of goodness and euphoria. Light enhancement, colour enhancement and shape distortion are all common. True hallucinations are not unheard of, but often people feel they are somewhat grounded with peyote, more in control than some other hallucinogenic substances.
Many people agree that peyote has a very different, though still very familiar, feel to it than pure mescaline. Peyote is pretty much a little sack of alkaloids, containing many differnet things which seem to alter the experience noticeably.
4. Lophophora williamsii - Peyote Toxicity: Back to top
5. Peyote chemistry: Back to top
Please note: Some chemicals may not be listed and some may or may not be toxic. Do not consume plants based on this table, it only gives a general idea of *some* of the chemicals this plant contains.
Chemical Name |
Plant part |
PPM (parts per million) |
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8. Related Pages: Back to top
Lophophora williamsii information on Cactus Culture
Lophophora species identification guide
