Drug Index

Mescaline / Peyote

Found in powders, tablets or capsules. Common does is 300-500mg, usually taken orally. Of samples analyzed at drug-testing labs, nearly 90% turn out to be PCP, LSD or some other substance.

Medical Uses

Derived from dried buttons of peyote cactus, or synthesized. No commonly accepted medical use.

Short Term Effects

Effects appear slowly and last 10 to 18 hours and include changes in perception and mood, disorientation, impaired short-term memory and concentration. Physical effects include dilation of pupils, fever, sweating, increased blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, and vomiting. High doses can cause a headache.

Long Term Effects

These drugs may precipitate psychosis in vulnerable users.

Tolerance and Dependance

After using mescaline or psilocybin, user must abstain from both for several days to regain sensitivity. This tolerance crosses over to LSD. Chronic users may become psychologically dependent. Mescaline and psilocybin are not known to cause physical dependence.

Legal Status

In Canada, these hallucinogens are governed by the provisions of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act applicable to Schedule III. Possession is a criminal offence punishable on indictment by imprisonment for up to three years and on summary conviction to a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. A subsequent offence is punishable on summary conviction by a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment for up to one year or both. Trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession for the purpose of exporting, production, import and export offences are punishable on summary conviction by imprisonment for up to eighteen months or on indictment by imprisonment for up to ten years.

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