Psychoactive cactus


Many cacti are known to be psychoactive, containing phenethylamine alkaloids such as mescaline. However, the two main ritualistic genera are Echinopsis, of which the most psychoactive species occur in the San Pedro cactus group, and Lophophora, with peyote being the most psychoactive species. Several other species pertaining to other genera are also psychoactive, though not always used with a ritualistic intent.

Species

Globular cacti

Other "peyotes"

Other

Other North American psychoactive and/or medicinal cacti.

Arborescent and columnar cacti

''Echinopsis''

Other

Other South American psychoactive and/or medicinal cactiAustrocylindropuntia cylindrica, Mescaline

Traditional and Indigenous uses

Several world regions have historically used psychoactive cacti for their properties, particularly Indigenous peoples from North America and South America, such as in Mexico and the Andes region. Archaeological studies have found evidence of use going back two thousand years. In 2022, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture declared the traditional use of San Pedro cactus in northern Peru as cultural heritage. Lophophora williamsii is used by the Native American Church.