Lophophora Williamsii (Peyote)

Description
Peyote, a well-known psychedelic cactus, contains a broad range of psychoactive alkaloids of which mescaline is the main hallucinogenic compound. Peyote has a long standing history of use as an entheogen. The cactus is popular worldwide among psychonauts and used to augment a variety of practices including meditation and psychotherapy, though current drug laws inhibit further scientific research. Peyote induces a powerful psychedelic experience, profoundly altering the user's perception of self and reality. The peyote cactus is a magnificent addition to a succulent or cacti garden.

Active substances
Tyramine (0.5 -1%), N-methyltyramine (0.5-1%), Hordenine (5-8%), Mescaline (15-30%), N-methylmescaline (3%), Anhalinine (0.5%), O-methylanhalinine (0.5%), Anhalidine (1-10%), Anhalamine (2%), Anhalonidine (14%), Pellotine (14-17%), Anhalonine (0.5-3%), Lophophorine (0.5%)

Appearance
The peyote cactus can be found growing in the wild in limestone rich areas from Mexico to south-west Texas. Peyote is a small spineless button-like cactus with a taproot. The woolly cactus bears pink flowers usually from March through May.

Background
The term peyote derives from the word peyotl in the Aztec language Nahuatl. Depending on the source peyotl can be translated as either glistening or Divine Messenger. Native American tribes of North and Mid-America have been using the cactus as a ceremonial sacrament dating as far back as 3500 B.C. This has been accurately determined through radiocarbon dating of peyote buttons found in the Shumla Caves of Texas. Besides as a ceremonial sacrament, peyote was used in folk remedies to aid toothaches, fever, arthritis, skin disease, asthma and various aches and pains. Link: Exploring Peyote

Cultivated Peyote
Peyote is a protected species considered vulnerable to becoming endangered. De Sjamaan sells peyote cultivated under controlled conditions which in no way infringes on the legality or protected status of peyote. Cultivated peyote is a sustainable and ethical alternative to wild peyote.

Effect
Consumption of the peyote cactus produces psychedelic and hallucinogenic effects; the subconscious surfaces, sensory perception becomes distorted, visual distortions and high-level hallucinations occur, and the skin becomes overly sensitive to tactile sensations like touching or hugging. Some users experience increased energy levels, feel motivated and inspired, come to meaningful insights about themselves and the world around them. The onset of a peyote trip is usually paired with nausea, queasiness, fever or mild diarrhoea. Adverse physical side effects are commonplace in this phase of the trip, last roughly an hour and gradually fade as the trip progresses. Other negative reactions, such as anxiety, paranoia and fear, what is referred to as a bad trip, can still occur. A confident, prepared and emotionally stable person is more likely to have a positive, euphoric and enjoyable trip.

Duration of effect
A trip can last 6 to 18 hours depending on the amount and time frame in which it is consumed. It is important to keep in mind that alkaloid content may vary among specimens. Also, the intensity of effects is highly subjective as each individual is inherently unique.

Do’s and Don’ts

1. Do not consume psychedelics if you are suffering from or are predisposed to psychiatric disorders, taking anti-depressants or medication.
2. Set and setting are of paramount importance; as in, your current mindset and the environment in which you will be tripping. Make sure that you are in good form, both mentally and physically.
3. Do not consume mescaline cacti at a party or any other busy place. Trip in a safe, familiar, calm environment; at home or in nature. Trip with people you know well and with whom you can be yourself.
4. Do not consume mescaline cacti after a long night of partying or after strenuous activity.
5. Take your time and prepare for the trip. Accumulate as much information as possible, read books, watch videos and read trip reports. It is important that you are well-informed on what lies ahead! Make sure you don’t have any obligations the following day.
6. Self-discovery is normal and natural. During the trip, you may come face to face with yourself, i.e., with the subconscious, repressed feelings, unresolved conflicts, or fears. Submit to the feeling, go with the flow. Short periods of fear and doubt are normal and are soon replaced by feelings of joy and wonder.
7. Don’t trip alone. Make sure a (preferably sober) trustworthy person who has tripped before is either there with you or knows of your plans and can easily be contacted. Sometimes reassurance from a calm, experienced confidant is all you need.

Dosage
The overview below is based on fresh peyote buttons approximately 2.5 cm in diameter. A peyote cactus has to be 15-20 years old before it is ready for consumption.
For methods of use, see: Consuming peyote cactus

• Light trip: 3-6 buttons (50-100 gr)
• Normal trip: 6-12 buttons (100-150 gr)
• Strong trip: 8-16 buttons (150-200 gr)
• Heavy trip: 15+ buttons (200+ gr)

(Source: erowid.org)

Growth Parameters
For optimal growth, check out our fertiliser recipe.

• Grow Rate: Peyote is a slow growing cactus that takes about 15 to 20 years to mature and develop the desired alkaloid content.
• Light: Outdoors the peyote cactus should be placed in the shade. Indoors place the peyote cactus on a windowsill out of direct sunlight.
• Watering: Water the cactus approximately once every two weeks by placing the pot with drainage holes on a plate drenched in water. Never let the soil dry out completely during the growing season. If you are keeping your cactus indoors year round, water the cactus consistently once every two weeks.
• Temperature: Peyote can survive temperatures below freezing but not for long and is highly susceptible to frost damage. To overwinter your cactus, starting in September or October, make sure the soil is dry as a bone and place the cactus in a cooler area until early May or April. During this period do not water or fertilise the cactus. During this period do not water the cactus. Keep in mind that cacti kept in a warm room during the winter will lose their ability to flower.

For more information on identifying and treating common cactus problems, click here.

Content: Living plant. Shipped in pot with soil.

Note: Express shipping is advised to keep your plant healthy.

Warning & Disclaimer
Botanical specimen; unprocessed. This mescaline cactus is not controlled by the Dutch Opium Act nor by UN conventions. Not for sale to minors. Not suitable for those under 18 years of age. Do not combine with alcohol, medication or other drugs. Not suitable for those with psychological problems or a psychiatric past. Do not use during illness, while pregnant or breastfeeding. Not suitable for those with epilepsy. Can influence your ability to react; do not participate in traffic or operate machinery while under influence.

Legal Note: We sell our plants for purpose within the limits of the law. If your local laws prohibit the consumption or the processing of these plants then only use these plants for ornamental purposes.