How Peyote Works – 8/15/2019

Summary

In this episode of *Stuff You Should Know*, Josh and Chuck delve into the fascinating world of peyote, a spineless cactus native to Mexico and the southern U.S. They explore its long history of use as a hallucinogen, its active ingredient mescaline, and its cultural significance among indigenous tribes. The conversation touches on peyote's bitter taste, its mystical reputation, and its role in both ancient rituals and modern experiments. The hosts also discuss the plant's diverse uses, from treating indigestion to its potential mental health benefits, all while sharing humorous anecdotes and engaging insights.

Takeaways

• 😀 Peyote is a spineless cactus that contains mescaline, a powerful hallucinogenic alkaloid.
• 🌱 The plant is native to northern Mexico and southern Texas, growing in rocky, limestone-rich soil.
• 🎶 Peyote has a mystical reputation due to its elusiveness, often appearing unexpectedly to those searching for it.
• 🌵 The cactus resembles a small pincushion and can grow in clusters, often found under creosote or mesquite trees.
• 😮 Indigenous tribes have used peyote for thousands of years in religious and spiritual ceremonies.
• 🌍 Peyote's psychoactive effects lead to vivid hallucinations and altered perceptions, contributing to its reputation as a sacred plant.
• 💊 Mescaline, the active compound in peyote, was studied in the 1950s for its potential therapeutic uses, especially in mental health research.
• ⚖️ Early studies on peyote and mescaline were inconclusive, with researchers finding too much variability in individual experiences.
• 🔬 While peyote has potential medicinal uses (e.g., for indigestion and wound healing), clinical research is limited.
• 🍷 The plant has been historically confused with other hallucinogenic plants, leading to some botanical classification issues.
• 💡 The 'buttons' of peyote, harvested for their psychoactive properties, are typically small and round, with the size ranging from a quarter to a silver dollar.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the podcast episode?

The main topic of the podcast episode is peyote, a hallucinogenic cactus, alongside a brief conversation about Pavement's music and the hosts' excitement about their Portland show.

What did the hosts mention about their upcoming show in Portland?

The hosts are excited about their upcoming show at the State Theatre in Portland, Maine, on August 30th. They also mentioned that tickets and more information can be found at sysKaylive.com.

Which Pavement albums are discussed in the podcast, and what do the hosts think of them?

The hosts discuss *Slanted and Enchanted*, *Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain*, and *Wowie Zowie*. Josh and Chuck have differing opinions on their favorite albums, with Josh leaning toward *Slanted and Enchanted*, while Chuck has a fondness for *Wowie Zowie*.

What is the significance of the term 'wowie-zowie' in the podcast?

'Wowie-zowie' is used to describe the surprising and mystical effects of peyote, especially when it induces hallucinatory experiences due to the mescaline compound it contains.

How does the podcast describe the appearance of peyote?

Peyote is described as a small, stubby cactus that resembles a pincushion. It has a green or bluish hue and typically grows in clusters, though individual plants can also be found. The cactus blooms with delicate white, pink, and yellow flowers.

Where is peyote primarily found, and what type of environment does it prefer?

Peyote is native to northern Mexico and southern Texas, along the U.S.-Mexico border. It prefers rocky limestone soils and typically grows under creosote bushes or mesquite trees.

What is mescaline, and why is it significant in the context of peyote?

Mescaline is an alkaloid found in peyote that gives the cactus its bitter taste. It is also responsible for the hallucinogenic effects experienced when consuming peyote, causing users to have vivid, sometimes mystical, experiences.

What are some historical and cultural uses of peyote mentioned in the podcast?

Peyote has been used for thousands of years, particularly in religious ceremonies by indigenous tribes in Mexico and the southwestern U.S. It is valued for its hallucinogenic properties, which are used to facilitate spiritual experiences and communicate with the divine.

What medicinal uses of peyote are mentioned in the podcast?

In low doses, peyote has been used for various medicinal purposes, including treating indigestion, promoting energy, and even helping with wound healing. It is also believed to have antimicrobial properties.

What historical research involving peyote and mescaline is referenced in the podcast?

The podcast references research in the 1930s and 40s where mescaline, isolated from peyote, was studied in an attempt to understand schizophrenia. However, the results were inconclusive and inconsistent, leading to its eventual replacement by LSD for similar studies.