MESCALINE
A naturally occurring classical psychedelic alkaloid found in peyote and San Pedro cacti, acting primarily as a 5-HT2A receptor agonist.
Mescaline is one of the oldest known hallucinogens, with archaeological evidence of use spanning over 6000 years. It is found primarily in the peyote cactus (Lophophora williamsii) and Echinopsis genus cacti. Preclinical studies show anxiolytic-like effects in animals, increased prosocial behaviour, locomotion, and response reactivity. Human reports in naturalistic and religious settings describe euphoria, hallucinations, improvements in well-being, and potential benefit for alcoholism. Mescaline is largely excreted unchanged in human urine, and its metabolic products appear unrelated to its psychedelic properties. Most intoxications are mild and easily treatable, with addiction and dependence practically absent. However, clinical research remains limited due to prohibition-era restrictions, and controlled human trials are scarce.