THE HISTORY OF MESCALINE

The cactus plant peyote or Lophophora williamsii produces the drug mescaline.

The people of Texas and Mexico (where this plant grows) have been using this plant for rituals for about three millenniums.

The structure of this drug resembles dopamine and norepinephrine, the catecholamine neurotransmitters.

As expected, this drug can influence the functioning of these neurotransmitters and it has an effect on the neurotransmitter serotonin also.

In the beginning of the 16^th century, peyote was first forbidden in Europe as the users went through frightening experiences. By the end of the 19^th century, the native tribes in other regions of the United States used this drug. During the year 1922, an estimate of about 13000-22000 people started to use peyote for religious purposes in the United States.

In the year 1919, Mescaline, the active element in peyote was originally produced. More than twelve states declared mescaline as illegal by the year 1930. During the 20^th century, a number of researches were carried out on mescaline or peyote. It was found that this drug did not have any valuable medical use. In the year 1967, mescaline was prohibited in the United States and in 1970; it was place on schedule 1.

Buttons or the head of the peyote can be soaked in water and then ingested, grounded and chewed. The powder (from the grounded buttons) is sold in the form of gelatin capsules to the users.