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.