Peyote (Mescaline) and Human Chromosomes
JAMA – October 20, 1975
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Lifelong users of peyote, a mescaline-containing cactus, show no increase in chromosomal aberrations, providing reassurance amid past concerns about psychoactive substances. In a study involving Huichol Indians, peripheral-blood lymphocytes revealed no significant chromosomal damage. This finding is particularly noteworthy given the historical scrutiny of psychedelics like LSD and marijuana for potential mutagenic effects. With a sample size reflecting the unique cultural context of these users, the results suggest that certain psychedelics may not pose the genetic risks once feared.
Abstract
Given the controversy of the late 1960s and early 1970s over the possible induction of chromosomal damage by psycho-active agents like LSD and marihuana, the peyote study of Teplitz et al (p 299), is reassuring. It is, first of all, comforting to know that in vivo studies of agents that are possible chromosomal mutagens can produce, when properly designed and executed, clear-cut results. Second, it is nice to know that these results can sometimes be negative. The authors have not demonstrated any increase in chromosomal aberrations in the peripheral-blood lymphocytes of the Huichol Indians of northern Mexico, lifelong users of the hallucinogen peyote, a mescaline-containing cactus. (We may now only hope that there will be no mad rush, among our younger generation in particular, to experiment more heavily with peyote or with the chemically purer mescaline by dint of this apparent absence of chromosomal effects.) One of the major questions