San Pedro basics

[Smarthead]

The San Pedro cactus has gained considerable fame in the past five years after numerous reports that it is hallucinogenic, contains mescaline and is readily available from cactus nurseries. This plant, known botanically as Trichocereus Pachanoi, is native to the Andes of Peru and Ecuador.


Unlike the small peyote cactus, San Pedro is large and multi-branched. In its natural environment, it often grows to heights of 10 or 15 feet. Its mescaline content is less than that of peyote (0.3 - 1.2 percent), but because of its great size and rapid growth, it may provide a more economical source of mescaline than peyote. One plant may easily yield several pounds of pure mescaline upon extraction, though it is important to note this is illegal in most (but not all) countries.