Mescaline: the 10 effects (physical and psychological) of this hallucinogenic drug
Euphoria similar to heroin, nervous system depression similar to alcohol, increased energy similar to caffeine, reduced pain sensation similar to morphine, pleasure sensation similar to Popper, and, of course, hallucinations.And this is where we have to stop.
Hallucinogenic drugs are psychoactive substances that, after being ingested in our body, alter the physiology of the central nervous system in such a way that our perception of reality changes and our thoughts become strange. I mean, we hallucinate. And although the best known are LSD and psilocybin (derived from mushrooms or hallucinogenic mushrooms), one is, from a scientific point of view, amazing.
We are talking about mescaline, a drug made from peyote (a type of cactus without spines endemic to Mexico) and traditionally used by American tribes as part of mystical rituals. In today’s article, then, we will see its chemical properties and, above all, its effects on the body. It’s time to learn everything you ever wanted (but didn’t want to ask) about mescaline.
What is mescaline?
Mescaline is a hallucinogenic drug derived from peyote, a small species of spineless cactus with the scientific name Lophophora williamsii, endemic to Mexico. Peyote contains several phenylethylamine alkaloids, including mescaline, which is the main substance responsible for the psychoactive effects of this plant.
It is also found in cactus species. Trichocereus pachanoi (better known as the San Pedro cactus), mescaline, or 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine, is a psychoactive substance that has been used for thousands of years as part of mystical rituals or for spiritual purposes in many American tribes, especially in Mexico.
But it wasn’t until 1897 that German pharmacologist Arthur Heffler isolated the active principle of peyote for the first time. This alkaloid was extracted from dried peyote buttons known as “mezcal buttons.”Already in 1919, it was artificially synthesized in the Viene laboratory, becoming the first synthetic pseudo-sensitizing alkaloid.
On a chemical level, mescaline is the main representative of phenylamine-type hallucinogens (the other large group are tryptamines). It is made up of three methoxide groups attached to a benzene ring at positions 3, 4, and 5, as well as an amino group. attached to its aliphatic side chain.
Normally, mescaline is in the form of salt. It can be consumed together with peyote (in dried peyotes, the mescaline content is, on average, 2%), in the form of resin, in capsules, or even in tea. It takes between 200 and 600 mg of pure mescaline to feel its effects, but keep in mind that its taste is unpleasant, so it is usually consumed in capsules.
However, while it is true that it is usually treated culturally for its psychotropic effects, the truth is that it has potential medical functions in areas such as psychology and psychiatry (especially in the study of the molecular bases of schizophrenia), which is why their study is of clinical importance.
At the neurological level, when mescaline is consumed, it acts as a serotonergic receptor antagonist, connecting with them and changing their normal function. For this reason, together with the fact that it prevents the oxidation of glutamate and sodium and its activity at the level of the hypothalamus, it causes all the psychological (and physical) effects that we will analyze below.
What are the psychological and physical effects of mescaline?
Mescaline is a difficult substance to isolate and synthesize, making it expensive even for recreational purposes. Very often, what reaches the consumer is a product tainted with LSD or LSD alone. However, we are going to focus on the psychological and physical effects of pure mescaline.
Its legality depends on the country, but it must be taken into account that, regardless of whether its consumption is legal or illegal, mescaline is totally contraindicated in children, pregnant and lactating women, people with psychological disorders, and, of course, when riding. either heavy machinery operation
At the same time, it is important to remember that you have to eat it with the respect it deserves, in the company of the right people, not mix it with other substances, and always do it in a safe and pleasant environment (eating at parties is not recommended). That said, let’s see what causes mescaline in our bodies.
1. Visual and auditory disturbance
One of the main neurological effects of mescaline is the visual and acoustic alterations it produces. that is, its consumption. Hallucinations generate both images and sounds, which is really what makes you “trip.” These changes depend on everyone.
2. a state of euphoria
In general, one of the main effects of taking mescaline is a feeling of euphoria and happiness. However, there are times when this euphoria is so overwhelming that it can become overwhelming, and at that point, we have a “bad trip.”
3. A state of deep introspection
Often, mescaline causes, on a psychological level, an increase in concentration and, above all, the entry into a deep state of introspection that allows us to access places in our minds that we did not even know about or memories that we had forgotten.
4. Changes in skin emotions
Hallucinations are limited only to the classic ones linked to images and sounds that escape the ordinary perception of reality. The sense of touch is also modified. This explains why hallucinations are often also associated with strange sensations on the skin and that we feel that we are touching things that are not really there.
5. Entertainments in the perception of space and time
At the level of hallucinations, mescaline also causes changes in spatial and temporal perception that can sometimes be serious. Confusion grows over time and distorts the environment around us. Although this is part of the experience, it is important that we take this drug in a safe environment and in the company of people who have not taken it before.
6. Tachycardia
On a physical level, one of the main effects of mescaline is that it raises the heart rate. Against this background, mescaline causes tachycardia, that is, an acceleration of the rhythm of the heartbeat at a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute.
7. Mood swings
Mescaline can also cause emotional distress.This drug moves our emotions and feelings quickly and with great intensity, which can be part of the trip if the emotions are positive but also something negative if the emotions are accompanied by anxiety, fear, and stress.
8. Feeling a dream
With the consumption of mescaline, the hallucinations that are generated and the distortion of reality make us feel like, instead of waking up, we are dreaming. Given the psychotropic state of motivation and its physical effects, everything seems like a dream.
9. Increased libido
One of the most common side effects after the consumption of mescaline is the increase in libido, that is, the increased desire to practice sexual intercourse. This stimulation of sexual desire is what has been done since it was used in an American tribe; mescaline is considered a powerful aphrodisiac.
10. Improved creativity
Fortunately, many of the most creative artistic performances have been done under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs. And in the case of mescaline, it not only increases sensitivity to music and art, but it also stimulates the imagination and creativity of those who consume it.
What are the risks of taking mescaline?
Like any hallucinogenic drug, mescaline carries the risk of what is commonly known as a “bad trip.” So, it is important to observe the 200-600 mg dose of mescaline when we eat itnown as a “bad trip.” So, it is important to observe the 200-600 mg dose of mescaline when we eat it. This does not guarantee that there will be no side effects, but it does reduce the chances of colliding with the risks of this substance.
Mescaline, in some people, can cause dizziness, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, fatigue, paranoia, seizures, amnesia, suicidal thoughts, excessive sweating, panic, confusion, injuries (from hallucinations), terrible hallucinations, dilated pupils, loss of appetite, diarrhea, increased body temperature, lack of coordination, blurred vision, psychotic episodes…
However, there is no known mortality directly related to its use. Thus, within the possibility of tolerating this “bad mescaline is considered a safe substance, at least physically. And that’s all. Although it can generate tolerance, it does not generate addiction or physical dependence. Although there may be psychological dependence, as occurs with all hallucinogenic drugs, From here, you have the freedom to decide.