Description
San Pedro is one of a number of cacti containing the psychedelic alkaloid mescaline. San Pedro use by Andean shaman or curanderos for healing, and hallucinogenic purposes in ceremonial settings is an ancient tradition that lives to the present day. San Pedro is a gentler, more tranquil guide on your journey to new realms of consciousness than the peyote cactus. As an ornamental cactus San Pedro adds enchantment and beauty to your home, patio, or outdoor garden.
Active Substances
Using GC-MS, over 50 mg. of alkaloids per 100 grams of fresh plant was found, of which:
Tyramine (trace)
3-Methoxytyramine formed 1-10% of the total alkaloid
Hordenine (trace)
3,4-Dimethoxyphenethylamine 1-10% of the total alkaloid
3-Hydroxy-4,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (trace)
4-Hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (trace)
Mescaline (highly variable) was present over 25 mg per 100 mg. From 0.12% to 2.375%
Anhalonidine formed 0.01% of the total alkaloid
Pachanols A & B
Bridgesigenins A, B & C
Appearance
Trichocereus pachanoi commonly known as San Pedro is a ribbed, multi-branched, columnar cactus with small spines. San Pedro is a fast growing cactus that in the wild can grow to heights of 7 metres.
Background
According to archaeological evidence, ritual use of the San Pedro cactus dates as far back as 100 BC to pre-Columbian cultures such as the Moche and the Nazca. Andachuma, huachuma and cimora are just some of the names for the San Pedro cactus and entheogenic brews containing San Pedro. The name San Pedro is a Spanish translation of Saint Peter, a figure in Catholic beliefs said to hold the keys to heaven. Link: Exploring San Pedro and Trichocereus peruvianus
Effect
Consumption of the San Pedro cactus produces psychedelic and hallucinogenic effects; the subconscious surfaces, sensory perception becomes distorted, visual distortions and high-level hallucinations occur. Compared to a peyote trip, the San Pedro trip is less overwhelming, gentler, and the physical effects such as tactile enhancement are less intense. The onset of a peyote trip is usually paired with nausea, queasiness or mild diarrhoea, but at the onset of a San Pedro trip, this is less likely to occur. 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.
Onset & Duration of Effect
It takes about 1 to 2 hours for the effects to start. A trip can last 6 to 12 hours depending on the amount and time frame in which the cactus 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
- Do not consume psychedelics if you are suffering from or are predisposed to psychiatric disorders, taking anti-depressants or medication.
- 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.
- 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.
- Do not consume mescaline cacti after a long night of partying or after strenuous activity.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
A fresh Trichocereus pachanoi cutting weighing between 500-1000 grams should contain enough active alkaloids for two doses. For methods of use, see: Consuming San Pedro and other mescaline cactus
Propagation
Allow the base of the cutting to callous over before following the instructions for rooting and growing cactus cuttings found here: Growing from mescaline cactus cuttings
Growth Parameters
- Grow Rate: San Pedro is a fast growing cactus.
- Light: San Pedro does well in direct sunlight or partial shade and is suitable for growing indoors or outdoors. Provide shade in the scorching summer heat to avoid sunburns.
- Watering: During the hot summer months when growing outdoors, water your cactus regularly, at least once or twice a week. If you plan to keep your Trichocereus indoors in a warm room year round, you'll have to water the plant consistently at least once every two weeks. Place the pot on a tray filled with water, allowing the roots to soak up the water. Trichocereus pachanoi is more accustomed to watering than desert cacti, but if the soil is still wet do not water the cactus!
- Temperature: The San Pedro cactus is a hardy species that can persist despite frost, unlike peyote. 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 (7⁰-10⁰C) until early May or April. During this period do not water or fertilise 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: Cactus cutting. Shipped without soil or pot.
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.
- 3,4-Dimethoxy-5-Hydroxyphenylethylamine
- , 3,4-Dimethoxyphenylethylamine
- , 3,5-Dimethoxy-4-Hydroxyphenylethylamine
- , 3-Methoxytyramine
- , Anhalonidine
- , Hordenine
- , Mescaline
- , Tyramine
- Cutting
We do not ship this product to the following countries:
Australia | Brazil | Canada | China | ||||||||
Denmark | Estonia | Finland | Hong Kong | ||||||||
Hungary | Indonesia | Islamic Republic of Iran | Israel | ||||||||
Italy | Japan | Kenya | Mexico | ||||||||
New Zealand | Norway | Philippines | Poland | ||||||||
Russian Federation | South Africa | Switzerland | Turkey | ||||||||
United Arab Emirates | United Kingdom (Great Britain) | United States | Yemen |