The epidemiology of mescaline use: Pattern of use, motivations for consumption, and perceived consequences, benefits, and acute and enduring subjective effects.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) March 1, 2022 Malin Vedøy Uthaug, Alan K. Davis, Trevor Forrest Haas et al. 64 citations
Mescaline, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in cacti such as Peyote and San Pedro, is used infrequently (once a year or less) by most English-speaking adults, primarily for spiritual exploration or connection with nature (74%). In a web-based survey of 452 respondents, very few reported drug craving (9%), legal problems (1%), or psychological problems (1%), and none sought medical attention. Acute mystical-type effects were rated as moderate, ego-dissolution and insight as slight, and challenging effects as very slight. About half of the sample had a psychiatric condition, and most (over 67%) reported improvements in these conditions after their most memorable mescaline experience. The findings suggest that mescaline may produce a psychedelic experience with spiritual significance and mental health benefits and has low abuse potential.