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Overview: Peyote refers to a cactus called Lophophora williamsii. The buds on the cactus contain a chemical called mescaline that can cause a psychedelic high. Peyote has a long history of use in indigenous religious rituals and ceremonies. Common side effects may include changes in heart rate or blood pressure, muscle weakness, sweating, confusion, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, or balance problems. Serious side effects may include dangerous behaviors and a rare condition called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). Before taking peyote, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is peyote used for?

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is used in certain indigenous religious ceremonies and rituals. It is also sometimes used recreationally to feel “high.”

Note: Peyote and a specific chemical found in peyote (mescaline) are not approved by the FDA for any use. The FDA also does not consider these products to be legal dietary ingredients in the U.S. Peyote and mescaline are Schedule I controlled substances, which means that they do not have an acceptable medical use and have a high risk for misuse. However, indigenous people may legally use peyote for religious purposes. Learn more about the legal status of peyote here.

How does peyote work (mechanism of action)?

Peyote is a small cactus called Lophophora williamsii. It is native to Mexico and the southwestern U.S., where it has a long history of use in indigenous ceremonies and rituals. The small buds or “buttons” on the cactus contain a psychoactive chemical called mescaline. The term “peyote” usually refers to these buds, which are either chewed or soaked in water to make a tea.

The mescaline in peyote can change the way you experience the world around you. This can cause a “psychedelic trip,” which can involve hallucinations, reliving old memories, or being in a dream-like state. However, it can also bind to other receptors in your body, causing unwanted or serious side effects. See the Side Effects section for more information.

The dream-like experiences and hallucinations that occur with peyote may be pleasant for some people and frightening for others. Your experience can depend on your own personal history, as well as the environment around you while you are using peyote. Many experts recommend that peyote should only be used during traditional ceremonies and rituals where the environment is controlled and other people are present through the entire experience. Although there is no clear best way to avoid a “bad trip” from peyote, most people do not report having a bad experience when peyote is used as part of traditional ceremonies and rituals.

Herbal products like peyote naturally contain many different chemicals, such as mescaline. The amounts of each chemical in a specific peyote batch may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the tach you are using.

How should I store peyote?

You should store peyote according to the product label. Most herbal products should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of peyote?

The most common side effects of peyote are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Hallucinations (see below)
  • Changes in heart rate or blood pressure (see below)
  • Large (dilated) pupils
  • Muscle weakness 
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Paranoia or fear
  • Trouble with balance or coordination

There may be other side effects of peyote that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of an herbal product. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of peyote?

While less common, the most serious side effects of peyote are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Peyote may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using peyote and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Changes in Heart Rate or Blood Pressure. Peyote may raise your heart rate or blood pressure. If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 or higher, get medical attention right away. Also, call your health care provider or get medical attention right away if you have chest pain, a fast heartbeat, or if you feel your heartbeat more than usual.

Hallucinations. Peyote can cause hallucinations that may involve hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise sensing things that others do not. These hallucinations are often part of the reason that people take peyote. But some hallucinations can cause a negative experience. Taking peyote in a safe setting with an experienced guide who can monitor you may help reduce the risk of negative experiences.

Dangerous Behavior. Peyote has psychedelic effects, which can cause hallucinations and change the way you experience the world around you. This may increase your risk of doing things that can be dangerous to you or others, such as walking into traffic or off of a tall ledge. To help reduce your risk of dangerous behavior, peyote should be taken in a safe and controlled setting around other people who can monitor your health and safety.

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). In rare cases, people who have used peyote in the past have developed HPPD. People with this condition may have flashbacks to the psychedelic trip they experienced while using peyote, months or even years later. They may also have short-term changes in their vision or the way that they perceive the world around them. These flashbacks and vision changes can be intense, distracting, and last long enough to interfere with daily activities. If you have any of these symptoms or are concerned you have HPPD, speak to your health care provider right away.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use peyote?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use peyote.

  • Lophophora williamsii
  • Mescaline
  • Peyote
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Ask your health care provider if you are not sure what ingredients are in a peyote product.

What should I know about peyote before using it?

The U.S. federal government does not consider peyote to be a legal dietary ingredient. It is a Schedule I controlled substance, which means that it does not have any approved medical use and is at high risk for misuse. However, it is legal for indigenous people to use peyote for religious ceremonies and rituals.

Keep peyote out of the reach of children.

Peyote can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until the effects of peyote have passed. This usually takes at least 10-12 hours.

Herbal products, such as peyote, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific peyote batch can change for many reasons, including the area where the cactus grew, the weather during growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way the buds were processed after harvest. If you take a new batch of peyote, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

What should I tell my health care provider before using peyote?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if peyote is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Mental health problems, such as depression, a past suicide attempt, anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia, or psychosis
  • History of misusing prescription medicines or street drugs
  • Excessive alcohol consumption

Other Medicines and Supplements. Peyote may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking peyote, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how peyote could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if peyote passes into breast milk, but peyote may cause harm or lead to dangerous behavior that may cause harm to an infant or small child. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does peyote interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between peyote and foods or drinks.

Drinking alcohol while taking peyote can increase the risk of serious side effects. It is best to avoid alcohol while taking peyote.

Does peyote interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking peyote.

  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), such as duloxetine or venlafaxine, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
  • An antipsychotic, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • Any medicine that may cause dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety

The interactions between peyote and medicines are not fully understood. As with most herbal products, the research on drug interactions with peyote is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking peyote with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much peyote?

If you or someone else has used too much peyote, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

In the U.S., peyote is a controlled substance with no approved medical uses. Its only legal use is during indigenous religious ceremonies and rituals. Taking peyote in this setting may help reduce the risk of unwanted or serious side effects. Do not take double or extra doses.