Images
General
Peyote is a small, spineless cactus that has a hallucinogenic drug, mescaline. It has been used since
before Columbus’ time for medicinal and spiritual reasons. There are two main species of peyote,
Lophophora diffusa, and Lophophora williamsii. (Cindy) Both are similar in that they have a green-grey
color and similar shape and side. Diffusa has a white flower, where williamsii has a light pink flower, but
both self fertilize. (Lophophora)
Where Its found
Like all other species in the cactus family, peyote grows in hot and dry areas, such as deserts. This means
they must have adaptations to be able to obtain and store water for long periods of time, as well as
adaptations to live in areas with nutrient-poor soil. Specifically, peyote grows on about 150,000 square
kilometers in the Chihuahuan Desert, stretching from the Rio Grande Valley in Southern Texas, to Sierra
Madre Occidental, to Sierra Madre Oriental, and the San Luis Potosi, Mexico. (Anderson) The different
species of Lophophora grow in different specific areas. Peyote is only native to this one region, but can
be cultivated with some success in other areas.
Uses
Peyote contains a strong hallucinogenic substance called mescaline. It has been used by Native
Americans for years for ceremonial and medicinal uses. The short term effects of this drug include
altered states of perception, visions and heightened senses. Other effects, such as increased heart rate,
sleeplessness, nausea and loss of appetite vary from one experience to another. Sometimes the
ingestion of peyote can lead to desired effects, but other times it can be an anxious and fearful
experience. In the long run, those who ingest peyote can experience hallucinogen persisting perception
disorder, in which users experience reoccurrences of hallucinations long after the normal affects of the
drug have worn off. In order to extract the drug, Native Americans cut out and dry disc-shaped buttons
that grow on above ground, on the crown of the plant. These ‘buttons’ are then chewed or soaked in
water for the desired effect. (Cindy)
Peyote and the drugs within them are regularly used for medicinal purposes. Natural healers have
believed in their powers for hundreds of years and use them for many purposes. (Gudzune) Mostly, they
are used for care of care of injury such as burns, wounds, and aches. More than this, they are also used
as protection in battle. Peyote contains peyocactin, which is a substance that has antiseptic control over
many kinds of bacteria. It also has hordenine, which is another antibiotic that can control species of
bacteria that even penicillin cannot. (Nature) These two chemicals give peyote it’s abilities to heal and
protect.
Peyote is also commonly used as a spiritual and ceremonial instrument. It is thought that the
hallucinations that come from the drugs in peyote connect users to the other world and give other
spiritual experiences. Many religious groups use this drug to have other-worldly experiences and
spiritual guidance and connectedness. Other religious uses include a pilgrimage to find peyote, or as a
guide to help them find their way back home after a quest alone in nature. (Gudzune)
Relatives
Peyote is classified in the cactus family, the Cactaceae, Genus Lophophora. The Lophophora genus
contains about four or five species of peyote, named “crest bearer” after the clumps of hair on some of
the tubercles of the plants. The species in this genus have similar chemical make-up and characteristics
such as ribbing, size and affects when consumed. (Lophophora) The Cactaceae family includes about
2000 species of plants distributed in places of deserted or very dry climate. The Cactaceae family is
made up of about 200 genera, and is distinguished by characteristics such as fleshy fruit, prickly leaves,
big flowers, and inferior ovaries. They are used for a variety of uses, such as food from the fruits, soil
protection from erosion, and as medicine. Some examples of relatives to Lophophora include the Apple
Cactus (Cereus peruvianus monstruousus), the Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii), and the Christmas
Cactus (Hatiora gaertneri). (Cactus Family (Cactaceae))
Additional Aspect – legal
The legality of peyote has been questioned and tested for many years. Peyote was not immune to the
war on drugs in America. During this time, many drugs, including peyote, were banned, and sought out
to be destroyed. In 1970 peyote was legally banned under the Controlled Substance Act. (Erowid)
Peyote is a controversial drug in this situation, however, because it is mostly used by Native Americans
who have some leeway with US law. The Native American Church was automatically issued an
exemption under the Controlled Substance Act. (Gudzune)
Peyote is legal in the US only when associated with religious groups such as the Native American Church,
The Peyote Way Church of God, and the Peyote Foundation. Most members of the church are Native
Americans, but there are some non-Native Americans involved in these organizations. In order for these
members to be allowed to possess peyote, they must demonstrate a true commitment to the religion
and religious use of peyote. In the US case of US vs. Boyll, this was tested. Boyll was a non-Native
American who possessed peyote with intent to distribute, where the judge ruled to dismiss the case
because of his strict association with a church connected with peyote. (Erowid)
Although members of churches associated with peyote are legally allowed to possess peyote, it can still
be a headache. They must be very careful of use and transport of the peyote. They are usually under
careful watch, which can be disheartening for those who truly use peyote for the medicinal and spiritual
purposes they always have.
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<http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/lsd/pbotany.htm>.
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Cindy. "Peyote | The Partnership at Drugfree.org." The Partnership at Drugfree.org | Support and Resources for
Parents Dealing with Teen Drug and Alcohol Abuse. 22 Sept. 2010. Web. 04 Dec. 2010.
<http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide/peyote>.
"Erowid Peyote (Lophophora Williamsii) Vault." Erowid. 10 Nov. 2010. Web. 04 Dec. 2010.
<http://www.erowid.org/plants/peyote/>.
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Jan. 2008. Web. 04 Dec. 2010. <http://www.suite101.com/content/peyote-a42922>.
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Dec. 2010. <http://www.kadasgarden.com/Lophophorachart.html>.
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