Mescaline (Peyote)

What is Mescaline?

Mescaline is a psychedelic compound found in a variety of cacti, most notably peyote and San Pedro cacti. Its effects have been described as similar to that of psilocybin and LSD in some respects, including altering one’s sense of time and pattern recognition. In other respects, such as one’s experience of reality and immediate setting, it’s said to operate very differently upon perception.

Is Mescaline (Peyote) Legal in Canada?

For the most part, no. Mescaline is prohibited under Canadian federal criminal law, but peyote (which contains mescaline) is exempted from prohibition (i.e., it is legal for personal possession).

Mescaline is prohibited in Canada under Schedule III of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. However, the Act notably and specifically exempts peyote from prohibition. The reason for this is connected with peyote’s historic use by members of the Native American Church (see Indigenous Rights).

Due to the increasing scarcity and endangerment of wild peyote cacti, use of peyote by non-Indigenous persons is highly controversial.

Medical or Therapeutic Use?

Research on the therapeutic use of mescaline is limited, especially as compared with other psychedelic substances. Anecdotally, some (such as Michael Pollan in his book This Is Your Mind on Plants) have suggested its use in the form of peyote may be helpful for treating trauma, particularly in the context of ceremonial use.