A UHPLC-(ESI)MS/MS method for the determination of the psychedelic secondary metabolite mescaline in San Pedro (Trichocereus spp.) and its applicability for screening mescaline in other cacti varieties.
Forensic Chemistry March 25, 2025 Pragna Gaur, Liam Engel, Damian Robert Hall et al. 1 citation
Mescaline concentrations in ornamental San Pedro cacti vary widely, posing risks of unintended low or high doses if used illicitly. A new UHPLC-(ESI)MS/MS method rapidly and reliably quantifies mescaline in these cacti and screens others. Preliminary results suggest higher mescaline levels in the chlorenchyma than in the parenchyma of San Pedro. Screening revealed mescaline in two varieties of Echinopsis subdenudata for the first time, at concentrations from 36 μg/g to 2.45 mg/g, while six other cacti had none. This finding supports the chemotaxonomic argument that Trichocereus and Echinopsis genera may not be distinct and should be combined. The discovery of mescaline in a popular ornamental cactus highlights the need for routine forensic screening to keep pace with emerging psychedelic drug trends.