If you have heard of peyote and ayahuasca, you might not understand the differences between them. At first glance, they do seem very similar. Both are hallucinogenic drugs that can cause intense visuals, emotional changes, and altered sensory perception.
You can also find native Americans or indigenous peoples using both peyote and ayahuasca for spiritual ceremonies. While peyote and ayahuasca are illegal in the United States, certain religions have been granted the right to use them.
Many characteristics set these two substances apart. Peyote is a thornless cactus that contains the active ingredient mescaline. On the other hand, ayahuasca is a plant mixture that contains dimethyltryptamine (DMT).
Knowing the differences between these two substances can increase awareness of them, their effects, and why you should avoid using them recreationally.
What you will learn:
- What is peyote
- What is ayahuasca
- How are peyote and ayahuasca different
What is Peyote?
The peyote cactus (Lophophora williamsii) contains mescaline, a psychoactive compound that produces hallucinogenic effects. The buttons on the cactus can be consumed raw or dried. They can also be brewed into a tea for consumption.
Native Americans and indigenous people may engage in peyote ceremonies for religious or spiritual reasons. It is only legal for individuals who belong to specific religions that use the substance for those purposes.
Peyote and mescaline are considered Schedule I substances in the United States, which means it has no accepted medical uses and a high potential for abuse.[1] The cactus is native to Mexico and parts of Texas.
The effects of peyote may include:[2]
- Feelings of euphoria and happiness
- Vivid hallucinations
- Changes in sensory perception
- Brighter colors, louder sounds, and enhanced vision
- Dramatic emotional experiences
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Feelings of numbness and tension
- Nausea and vomiting
- Elevated body temperature
- Chills and sweating
- Dilated pupils
The psychoactive ingredient in peyote causes effects by interacting with serotonin and dopamine in your brain. While it is possible to feel extremely happy or elated under the influence of mescaline, you could also have a bad trip. Bad trips are characterized by negative emotions, intense fear, and scary hallucinations.
What is Ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca comes from the vine banisteriopsis caapi and the shrub Psychotria viridis. It is a beverage made from plant material that has hallucinogenic effects. The active ingredient that causes hallucinations in ayahuasca is known as dimethyltryptamine (DMT).
Ayahuasca is also considered a Schedule I substance as it has no medicinal uses in the United States and is commonly misused. However, certain religious groups are granted the right to use it for ceremonies. It is also commonly used in South America during ayahuasca ceremonies among indigenous people.
Ayahuasca and DMT can cause a variety of effects, including:[3]
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Euphoria and intense happiness
- Feelings of connection and unity
- Introspection and self-reflection
- Vivid visual and auditory hallucinations
- Altered states of consciousness
- Powerful and intense emotions
- Increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature
- Feelings of anxiety, fear, or panic
Like peyote, the effects of ayahuasca vary from person to person. One individual might have a good experience, while another has a bad trip and feels afraid, nervous, or scared. Because of this, you should avoid using ayahuasca unless you are partaking in a religious or spiritual ceremony.
Peyote vs Ayahuasca: Understanding the Differences
While peyote and ayahuasca have many similarities, they are different substances. They differ in side effects, origins, active ingredients, and more.
The main differences between ayahuasca and peyote include:
Origins
Peyote is associated with Native American tribes in the United States. It is used in spiritual and healing rituals among these cultures.
On the other hand, ayahuasca has its origins in Amazonian indigenous cultures for shamanic and healing rituals. It is common in Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru.
Potency
Peyote contains mescaline while ayahuasca contains dimethyltryptamine. Because of the DMT in ayahuasca, it is considered way more potent than peyote. When consuming ayahuasca, the hallucinations and sensory perception changes you experience will be more intense than peyote.
Side Effects
Peyote and ayahuasca cause similar side effects, however, they tend to be more pronounced among experiences with ayahuasca. For example, both substances can cause nausea and vomiting, but ayahuasca has a higher tendency for these effects to be intense.
Even further, peyote causes mild visual and sensory effects, while ayahuasca is associated with powerful hallucinogenic experiences and extremely pronounced emotional effects.
Active Ingredients
Ayahuasca is a tea that contains plant matter from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the Psychotria viridis shrub. The active ingredient that causes psychoactive effects is dimethyltryptamine (DMT).
On the other hand, peyote is a cactus that contains mescaline. This means the main difference between the two substances is the chemicals that cause hallucinogenic effects.
Find Help for Hallucinogen Abuse
If you or a loved one abuse hallucinogens like peyote, ayahuasca, LSD, or psilocybin, you should seek help. Long-term abuse of these drugs can lead to intense mental health issues that require significant treatment and support. Thankfully, drug rehab programs can provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve long-term recovery.
Whether you need traditional addiction treatment or a combination of substance abuse and mental health services, PAX Memphis can help you find the program you need. Our addiction specialists will provide you with an in-depth assessment to determine what kind of facility is right for you.
Contact us today for more information on how to get connected with a hallucinogen addiction treatment center. We can help you find a program that suits your needs, takes your insurance, and is located in your area.
References:
- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Peyote and Mescaline
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Aspects of Peyote and Mescaline
- Science Direct: Ayahuasca