Peyote, a sacred and endangered plant, is gradually becoming legal, but this newfound status raises concerns about its future.

The peyote cactus, known for producing the hallucinogenic mescaline, is increasingly threatened by overharvesting in the U.S. and Mexico. (SINISA KUKIC/GETTY IMAGES)

For centuries, the peyote cactus has been integral to religious ceremonies for Mexican Indians and Native Americans in the Southwest. It also gained popularity among counterculture hippies in the '60s, who sought a deeper connection with nature through psychedelics.

Peyote is making headlines again, partly due to the fact that the plant, alongside magic mushrooms, was peyote/1347888001/">decriminalized in Oakland, California, making it the second U.S. city to do so after Denver, Colorado.

Supporters argue that decriminalizing peyote will enable law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes, while also paving the way for additional research on its mind-altering properties, potentially benefiting those experiencing mental and emotional struggles, individuals battling alcohol addiction, or those dealing with substance abuse problems.

What Is Peyote?

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a small, underground cactus, with only its top (or 'button,' about the size of a baseball) visible above ground. This spineless, slow-growing plant can take many years to mature in the deserts of southern Texas and northern Mexico.

As they develop, the cacti produce a variety of phenethylamine alkaloids, some of which cause distinctive hallucinogenic effects in humans. After harvesting, the button-shaped fruits can be consumed, brewed into a psychoactive tea, or dried, crushed into powder, and either put into capsules or smoked.

The main active component in peyote is mescaline, a potent hallucinogen that the U.S. classifies as a Schedule I substance, making it (largely) illegal to possess or use. (Interestingly, mescaline induces a strong reaction in animals, discouraging them from consuming it, which offers protection for the spineless cactus.)

Certain Native American tribes in North and Central America hold peyote in high regard, using it to enhance their spiritual rituals. Participants may gather around a fire to share peyote while a shaman or ceremonial leader leads chants and songs, guiding them through an experience that can last 10 hours or more.

In Mexico, the Huichol or Wixáritari people embark on peyote pilgrimages through the desert multiple times a year, pausing along the journey to consume more peyote, which they believe creates connections to their gods.

Peyote holds a deep significance beyond religious rituals, having been used for centuries as a sacred medicinal plant in these cultures. People often turn to it for help with ailments such as fever, skin conditions, blindness, colds, diabetes, and pain.

Is The Native American Church Exempt?

The U.S. government does not officially recognize the medicinal benefits of peyote or synthetic mescaline. Due to anti-drug legislation, possessing or consuming peyote is generally illegal in the U.S. If you're caught with the cactus, you could face fines or jail time. However, the federal government has made exceptions for the Native American Church, permitting its members to use these psychoactive plants for religious rituals.

Peyote use was banned in 1970 with the passage of the Controlled Substances Act, though the Native American Church was granted an exemption. In 1976, Alan Birnbaum, founder of the Native American Church of New York, challenged this restriction by demanding that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) "exempt the use of all hallucinogenic drugs in religious ceremonies of all churches that believe that psychedelic drugs are deities." When the DEA denied this, he sued. The Supreme Court ruled in his favor.

Laws regarding peyote differ across countries. For instance, in Canada, peyote use is legal only for religious purposes, not recreational use. In the United Kingdom, it is legal to cultivate peyote, but not to prepare it for consumption. In Mexico, consuming or harvesting wild peyote is illegal because it is endangered, though religious exceptions apply.

Psychedelic Effects of Peyote

Peyote affects the brain by interacting with the neurotransmitter serotonin, altering your perception and thought processes. Since the potency of the plant can vary, dosing it accurately is challenging. However, an average dose is between 10 and 20 grams of dried peyote (three to six buttons).

Those who consume peyote cacti or sip its tea often report a bitter taste, so intense that many individuals feel nauseous and end up vomiting, sometimes violently. As the effects set in, users might notice more vivid colors, hear louder sounds, or lose track of time and space. They may feel euphoria, a sense of detachment, illusions, or distorted visuals. Whether the experience is a "good trip" or a "bad trip" often depends on the user’s expectations and the setting (whether it’s in a church, nightclub, or doctor's office). If the trip takes a negative turn, it can lead to mood swings, paranoia, or panic. Additional side effects include dry mouth, headaches, increased heart rate, and impaired motor coordination.

Despite these effects, peyote is generally not seen as a physically addictive substance. Similar to magic mushrooms, it is typically used infrequently, often as part of a spiritual journey. However, as with all mind-altering substances, some mental health professionals express concerns about the potential for psychological dependency in certain users.

While most indigenous cultures discourage recreational use, many curious individuals seek out peyote, sometimes simply looking for a distinctive drug experience, or possibly as part of what they perceive as a personal spiritual quest.

Finding A Peyote Cactus

Obtaining peyote is no simple task. You could wander through the scorching desert landscape in search of the few remaining plants in south Texas. Alternatively, you might participate in a "spirit walk" led by the Peyote Way Church of God, located in a secluded area of the Arizona desert. After making a $400 donation, the church leaders will prepare you for the experience, beginning with a 24-hour fast, and culminating in the consumption of peyote tea.

The Mexican town of Real de Catorce, a place that holds significance for many Huichol people, attracts visitors from all around the world each year. Many of these tourists seek out the opportunity to experience peyote, a sacred plant that grows in the region's scrublands. With guides in tow, they venture into the desert, hoping to find peyote buttons, which they may consume on-site.

While tourists often undergo remarkable psychedelic journeys, the local community is concerned about the growing threat to the peyote supply due to overharvesting. This depletion jeopardizes not only the plant but also the religious practices of the Huichol people, who rely heavily on the peyote for their spiritual traditions. After harvesting, it can take decades for the plant to regenerate and bear fruit again.

Given that peyote is relatively rare compared to other psychedelics and remains illegal, it is likely to continue serving as a tool primarily for religious ceremonies and spiritual exploration—a bitter but potentially euphoric experience that could lead to a higher connection to the divine.

In Texas, a small group of peyote harvesters, known as peyoteros, are the only ones legally allowed to gather the cacti and sell it to the Native American Church, which holds significant influence throughout much of the Southwest. These peyoteros lease land in a small, 1,250-square mile (3,484 square kilometer) area of Texas where the peyote is found, hoping to gather enough of the sought-after plant to sustain their livelihood.