The epidemiology of mescaline use: Pattern of use, motivations for consumption, and perceived consequences, benefits, and acute and enduring subjective effects.
Malin Vedøy Uthaug, Alan K. Davis, Trevor Forrest Haas, Dawn Davis, Sean B. Dolan, Rafael Lancelotta, Christopher Timmermann, Johannes G. Ramaekers
Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2022 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211013583 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 452 |
| Population | English-speaking adults who completed a web-based survey |
| Topics | Mescaline |
| Keywords | 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine Epidemiology |
| Citations | 64 |
| Key findings | Mescaline use is associated with low rates of adverse effects and self-reported improvements in psychiatric conditions among a sample of English-speaking adults. |
Abstract
Mescaline is a naturally occurring psychoactive phenethylamine found in several cacti and historically used ceremonially by Indigenous and Latin American populations. Broader recognition of its possible therapeutic value in Western science began in the 1950s; however, knowledge of the safety profile of mescaline and the extent of its use remains limited. The primary aim of this study is to examine the epidemiology of mescaline use among English-speaking adults. About 452 respondents completed a web-based survey designed to assess their previous experience with mescaline (subjective effects, outcome measures, and mescaline type used). Most respondents reported that they had consumed mescaline infrequently (⩽once/year), for spiritual exploration or to connect with nature (74%). A small number of respondents reported drug craving/desire (9%), whereas very few reported legal (1%), or psychological problems (1%) related to its use, and none reported seeking any medical attention. Overall, respondents rated the acute mystical-type effects as "moderate," ego-dissolution and psychological insight effects as "slight," and challenging effects as "very slight." Most respondents reported that they used Peyote and San Pedro in their most memorable mescaline experience. Overall, the intensity of acute mescaline effects did not differ between mescaline types. About 50% of the sample reported having a psychiatric condition (i.e. depression, anxiety, etc.), and most (>67%) reported improvements in these conditions following their most memorable experience with mescaline. Findings indicate that the mescaline in any form may produce a psychedelic experience that is associated with the spiritual significance and improvements in the mental health with low potential for abuse.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on mescaline, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychedelics and Mental Health: A Population Study Adult population in the United States | 2013 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 130,152 |
| Lifetime experience with (classic) psychedelics predicts pro-environmental behavior through an increase in nature relatedness General population online sample | 2017 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 1,487 |
| Voice of the Psychonauts: Coping, Life Purpose, and Spirituality in Psychedelic Drug Users Psychedelic drug users, other drug users, and drug nonusers | 2011 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 667 |
| Naturalistic Use of Mescaline Is Associated with Self-Reported Psychiatric Improvements and Enduring Positive Life Changes. Adults reporting use of mescaline in naturalistic settings | 2021 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 452 |
| Acute Adverse Reactions to Lsd in Clinical and Experimental use in the United Kingdom Subjects in LSD or mescaline sessions | 1971 | Survey | n = 5,000 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 53
- Adverse effects of psychedelics: From anecdotes and misinformation to systematic science. Journal of Psychopharmacology February 2, 2022
- Comparative acute effects of mescaline, lysergic acid diethylamide, and psilocybin in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study in healthy participants. Neuropsychopharmacology October 1, 2023
- Mescaline: The forgotten psychedelic Neuropharmacology October 14, 2022
- Effects of Naturalistic Psychedelic Use on Depression, Anxiety, and Well-Being: Associations With Patterns of Use, Reported Harms, and Transformative Mental States. Frontiers in Psychiatry 2022
- The Bright Side of Psychedelics: Latest Advances and Challenges in Neuropharmacology International Journal of Molecular Sciences January 10, 2023
and 48 more in the library
Cites 47
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- Psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences: immediate and persisting dose-related effects. Psychopharmacology December 1, 2011
- Pilot study of the 5-HT2AR agonist psilocybin in the treatment of tobacco addiction Journal of Psychopharmacology September 11, 2014
and 42 more in the library