By Kenny Berman ( I thought this article was first published in the American Free Journal Weekly, but I can not find the issue in which it was printed, so I do not have that specific information to share)
I first started working with San Pedro cactus while temporarily living in the town of Vilcabamba, Ecuador. In the few months that I lived there I worked almost exclusively with the Peruvian variety of San Pedro (Trichocereous peruvianus) native to the Andes. There are many different species in the Trichocereous cactus genus, all of which are native to South America, not all of which though are psychoactive. The species that is native to the Andes just happens to be quite active in potency. Other varieties found in South America may be more or less potent.
In the United States this genus of cactus has for the most part found its place as an outdoor ornamental. Legal to possess and cultivate for decorative purposes ONLY!
That is to say, like so many other plants- It is illegal to consume in any fashion! Although generally an ornamental, many people are still aware of the psychoactive qualities and will often purchase it with “other” intentions. For this reason I am often inundated with questions concerning this cactus more than any other psychoactive plant. I hope to clarify some FAQ’s in sharing this educational information.
- Family: Cactaceae
- Genus: Trichocereous
- Species: panchanoi, peruvianus, terscheckii and validus are just a few of the active species.
- Common Names: San Pedro, Peruvian Torch, Hauchuma, Achuma. Note: San Pedro translates to Saint Peter who is known to hold the “Key to Heaven”.
- Description: A darker green columnar cactus, having up to 11 ridges but more commonly 5-9 ridges. The length of the spikes is species dependant, ranging from 1/8” to 3”, found running along the top of each ridge, spaced about 1-2” apart. It can be 3- 7” in diameter and up to 10 feet in height. Note: A radial cut resembles a star.
- Habitat and distribution: This genus of cactus is native to western South American countries. Found as far north as Ecuador and as far south as the northern regions of Chile and Argentina.
- Active alkaloids: Most species of Trichocereous contain the visionary Phenethylamine alkaloids, the most notorious of these being Mescaline. Although Mescaline may be the most potent alkaloid, it is not the only active alkaloid, nor is it always present in the highest concentrations. This is species dependent. Note: Phenethylamines are biochemically related to Adrenaline unlike other visionary botanicals such as Psilocybe, Ayahuasca brew and Morning Glory which contain Tryptamine alkaloids related biochemically to Serotonin.
- Legality: The chemical Mescaline is 100% illegal in the U.S.A. and many other countries. The San Pedro cactus on the other hand is 100% legal to possess and cultivate in the U.S.A. Although it is 100% illegal to consume, because if you consume it you are consuming a Schedule 1 drug, not only according to the authorities but in all actuality. This is a rather hard thing for the authorities to enforce of course…..”No judge! I just decided to eat the cactus in my front yard because I was broke and hungry! …I swear…I didn’t know!”
- Traditional applications: Healing, sorcery, visionary quests, transformation.
- Traditional preparation: The spines are removed from half an arms length of the cactus, it is sliced whole and then boiled in a large caldron of water for up to 12 hours until there is nothing remaining but a thick sludge. This sludge is then consumed.
- Contemporary applications: Healing, transformation, visionary quests, some recreation. Note: Although Mescaline as it self has found a place in the world of recreation, San Pedro may never follow suit because of the often strong physical side effects.
- Contemporary preparation: This is too detailed and hermetic to disclose in detail. The key is found in one layer of the flesh and one does not need to consume the whole cactus.
- Effects: The effects vary depending on the species. The Trichocereous peruvianus I have experienced in Peru tends to be about 10x more potent then the panchanoi species which is more commonly cultivated in the U.S.A. The panchanoi’s effects are typically hallucinogenic; Visionary alteration often in the form of wavy movements, sharply defined boundaries, enhanced colors and the appearance of inanimate respiration (breathing objects). The peruvianus species is a full blown visionary experience not recommended for inexperienced psychonauts.
- Side effects /Contradictions: Consuming the San Pedro can be a rather “cleansing” experience. Many people have a hard time keeping it in there stomachs long enough to reap its benefits. (Note: The key to minimizing the nausea and possible rejection of the plant is to fast one day prior to consuming the cactus.) May contradict with other drugs. Should be avoided by pregnant and lactating women and anyone with a history of mental illness.