Changes

| color = lightgreen

| color = lightgreen

| name = San Pedro cactus

| name = San Pedro cactus

| image = San_pedro.jpg

| image = Echinopsis-pachanoi-close-up.jpg

| image_width = 200px

 

| image_width = 250px

| regnum = [[Plant]]ae

| regnum = [[Plant]]ae

| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]

| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]

}}

}}

The '''San Pedro cactus''' (''Echinopsis pachanoi'', syn. ''Trichocereus pachanoi''),

The '''San Pedro cactus''' (''Echinopsis pachanoi'', syn. ''Trichocereus pachanoi''), is a fast-growing columnar [[cactus]] native to the [[Andes]] of [[Peru]] and [[Ecuador]].<ref name="erowid">[http://www.erowid.org/plants/cacti/cacti_guide/cacti_guide_trichoce.shtml Visionary Cactus Guide]</ref> It has been used for healing and religious divination in the Andes Mountains region for over 3000 years.<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=Ec5hNgYWHtkC&pg=RA2-PA342&lpg=RA2-PA342&dq=mistletoe+alkaloids+dmt+-dwarf&source=web&ots=BqP74gYx2h&sig=8rF_-i1rL1-bnKeKPvdsvHEFxQ8#PRA2-PA118,M1 Psychedelics Encyclopedia By Peter G. Stafford]</ref>  It is often confused with its close relative, the [[Peruvian Torch cactus]].

is a fast-growing columnar [[cactus]] native to the [[Andes]] of [[Peru]] and [[Ecuador]]. It is often confused with its close relative, the [[Peruvian Torch cactus]].

The plant is light to dark green, sometimes glaucous, and having 4-8 (usually 5-7) ribs.  Groups of 1-4 small, yellow to light brown, spines are located at the nodes which are spaced evenly (approximately 2 cm apart) along the ribs. San Pedro can grow up to 5 meters tall and have multiple branches, usually extending from the base.

The plant is light to dark green, sometimes [[glaucous]], and having 4-8 (usually 5-7) ribs.  Groups of 1-4 small, yellow to light brown, spines are located at the nodes which are spaced evenly (approximately 2 cm apart) along the ribs. San Pedro can grow up to 5 meters tall and have multiple branches, usually extending from the base.<ref name="erowid" />

== Chemistry ==

==Alkaloids==

San Pedro contains a number of [[Psychoactive drug|psychoactive]] [[alkaloids]], including the well-studied chemical [[mescaline]] (0.11 - 2.3%), and also [[3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine]], [[4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenethylamine]], [[3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine]], [[4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine]], [[anhalonidine]], [[anhalinine]], [[hordenine]], [[tyramine]], and [[3-methoxytyramine]].  

San Pedro contains a number of [[Psychoactive drug|psychoactive]] [[alkaloids]], including the well-studied chemical [[mescaline]] (0.21 - 1.8%), and also 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenethylamine, 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine, 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine, [[anhalonidine]], [[anhalinine]], [[hordenine]], [[tyramine]], and [[3-methoxytyramine]].  

Mescaline (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine) is a [[psychedelic drug]] (or [[entheogen]]), which is also found in some other species of genus ''[[Echinopsis]]'' (i.e. ''[[Echinopsis lageniformis]]'', ''[[Echinopsis peruviana]]'', and ''[[Echinopsis scopulicola]]'') and the species ''[[Lophophora williamsii]]'' (peyote).   

Mescaline (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine) is a [[psychedelic drug]] (or [[entheogen]]), which is also found in some other species of genus ''[[Echinopsis]]'' (i.e. ''[[Echinopsis lageniformis]]'', ''[[Echinopsis peruviana]]'', and ''[[Echinopsis scopulicola]]'') and the species ''[[Lophophora williamsii]]'' (peyote).   

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the highest concentrations of active substances are found in the layer of green [[photosynthetic]] tissue just beneath the skin. {{Fact|date=February 2007}}

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the highest concentrations of active substances are found in the layer of green [[photosynthetic]] tissue just beneath the skin.<ref name="erowid" />

There are various mescaline extraction techniques, simple (boiling in water 5 to 7 hours) and complex (such as an [[acid-base extraction]]), the latter technique yielding a material with a significantly higher concentration of mescaline - this is probably the most common source of (black market) mescaline. {{Fact|date=February 2007}}

There are various mescaline extraction techniques, simple (boiling in water 5 to 7 hours) and complex (such as an [[acid-base extraction]]), the latter technique yielding a material with a significantly higher concentration of mescaline - this is probably the most common source of (black market) mescaline. {{Fact|date=February 2007}}

==Cultivation==

==Cultivation==

San Pedro is very easy to grow in most areas.  Because it grows naturally in the high altitude, high rainfall areas of the Andes, it can withstand temperatures far below that of many other cacti.  In fact, its cultivation requirements are really more like 'normal' plants than most other cacti.  San Pedro requires fertile, free-draining soil.  They are susceptible to fungal diseases if overwatered, but are not nearly as sensitive as many other cacti, especially in warm weather.  They can be sunburned and display a yellowing chlorotic reaction to overexposure to sunlight.  In warm areas it is best to keep them out of direct sun in mid-summer.   

 

San Pedro is very easy to grow in most areas.  Because it grows naturally in the high altitude, high rainfall areas of the Andes, it can withstand temperatures far below that of many other cacti.  In fact, its cultivation requirements are really more like 'normal' plants than most other cacti.  San Pedro requires fertile, free-draining soil.  They are susceptible to fungal diseases if over-watered, but are not nearly as sensitive as many other cacti, especially in warm weather.  They can be sunburned and display a yellowing chlorotic reaction to overexposure to sunlight.  In warm areas it is best to keep them out of direct sun in mid-summer.   

In winter, plants will [[etiolate]], or become thin, due to lower levels of light.  This may be problematic if the etiolated zone is not sufficiently strong to support future growth as the cactus may break in strong winds.  Some people also find it visually undesirable.  If you wish to avoid etiolation when temperatures drop and growth rates slow, encourage it to enter winter dormancy by withholding water and fertiliser from it over the winter.

In winter, plants will [[etiolate]], or become thin, due to lower levels of light.  This may be problematic if the etiolated zone is not sufficiently strong to support future growth as the cactus may break in strong winds.  Some people also find it visually undesirable.  If you wish to avoid etiolation when temperatures drop and growth rates slow, encourage it to enter winter dormancy by withholding water and fertilizer from it over the winter.

The seeds are quite easy to germinate and grow. Their main requirements consist of high humidity levels, free-draining soil mix, and enough (but not too much) water, light, and nutrition. There are a number of commonly used methods that satisfy these requirements and the choice of a particular method depends mainly on the scale of the cultivation operation.

The seeds are quite easy to germinate and grow. Their main requirements consist of high humidity levels, free-draining soil mix, and enough (but not too much) water, light, and nutrition. There are a number of commonly used methods that satisfy these requirements and the choice of a particular method depends mainly on the scale of the cultivation operation.

[[Image:Baby_San_Pedro.jpg‎|thumb|200px|An inchoate San Pedro [[cactus]] that has been growing for approximately one year.]]

[[Image:Baby San Pedro.jpg‎|thumb|200px|An inchoate San Pedro [[cactus]] that has been growing for approximately one year.]]

For soil, use coarse sharp sand (sieved river sand).  Some people also find [[coir]] or [[peat]],

For soil, use coarse sharp sand (sieved river sand).  Some people also find [[coir]] or [[peat]], or mixtures, to be effective.  The soil can be sterilized by cooking it in an oven on high for 1-2 hours.  Sterilization will be most effective if the sand is moist. If one is available, an [[autoclave]] would also be useful at this point. Some people find sterilization to be unnecessary.  This may depend on other factors.  The soil is placed into trays (which can be sanitized with bleach beforehand if desired) and the seeds planted into it (when the soil has cooled).  The seeds should be only just below the surface (i.e. two or three sand grains over them). The trays now need to be kept in a humid environment.  This may be achieved by the use of plastic bags, glass plates, or greenhouses, depending on scale. Seeds usually germinate within two weeks to a month, but sometimes come up after several months.

or mixtures, to be effective.  The soil can be sterilised by cooking it in an oven on high for 1-2 hours.  Sterilisation will be most effective if the sand is moist. If one is available, an [[autoclave]] would also be useful at this point. Some people find sterilisation to be unnecessary.  This may depend on other factors.  The soil is placed into trays (which can be sanitised with bleach beforehand if desired) and the seeds planted into it (when the soil has cooled).  The seeds should be only just below the surface (ie two or three sand grains over them). The trays now need to be kept in a humid environment.  This may be achieved by the use of ziplock bags, glass plates, or greenhouses, depending on scale. Seeds usually germinate within two weeks to a month, but sometimes come up after several months.

The seedlings stay in the humid environment for several months.  During this time they must be continually checked for water and nutrient requirements, and fungal [[pathogens]]. Ensure the soil stays moist, but not overly wet. Nutrients can be provided with a liquid fertiliser at 1/8th strength whenever growth rate slows down. Fungi can be killed with a [[sulfur]] or [[copper]]-based [[fungicide]]. There have been some reports of seedlings responding negatively to these treatments so be very cautious with the amount you use. There is some evidence that garlic is also an effective fungicide.

The seedlings stay in the humid environment for several months.  During this time they must be continually checked for water and nutrient requirements, and fungal [[pathogens]]. Ensure the soil stays moist, but not overly wet. Nutrients can be provided with a liquid fertilizer at 1/8th strength whenever growth rate slows down. Fungi can be killed with a [[sulfur]] or [[copper]]-based [[fungicide]]. There have been some reports of seedlings responding negatively to these treatments so be very cautious with the amount you use. There is some evidence that garlic is also an effective fungicide.

If germinating your seeds in cold weather, a heat mat and fluorescent light can be used. These should be set on a timer to mimic normal diurnal temperature cycles for germination but can be left on permanently for faster growth once all the seeds have sprouted. One good method for growing cacti seedlings using this setup is to germinate them in late winter and have them ready to go outside by spring as temperatures and light levels are increasing.

If germinating your seeds in cold weather, a heat mat and fluorescent light can be used. These should be set on a timer to mimic normal diurnal temperature cycles for germination but can be left on permanently for faster growth once all the seeds have sprouted. One good method for growing cacti seedlings using this setup is to germinate them in late winter and have them ready to go outside by spring as temperatures and light levels are increasing.

==Consumption==

==Consumption==

The San Pedro cactus is used as an entheogen in shamanic cultures of the [[Andes]] and more recently in the western world. The most common form of preparation is to cut the cactus into slices, boil it for over 7 hours and juice it into a green liquid preparation that is then drunk during the ceremony which usually happens at night.  

The most common form of preparation is to cut the cactus into slices, boil it for over 7 hours and juice it into a green liquid preparation that is then drunk during the ceremony which usually happens at night{{Fact|date=August 2007}}.

==Ethnomedical Uses==

==Ethnomedical Use==

As well as a spiritual [[entheogen]], ''Echniopsis pachanoi'' is used to treat nervous conditions, cardiac disease, and high blood pressure {{Fact|date=February 2007}}.

As well as a spiritual [[entheogen]], '''Echinopsis pachanoi''' is used to treat nervous conditions, cardiac disease, and high blood pressure. <ref>[http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/acc_num/198502066.html Florawww.eeb.uconn.edu]</ref>

== Legality ==

==Legality==

In most countries it is legal to cultivate San Pedro, but in countries where possession of mescaline and related compounds is illegal, cultivation for the purposes of consumption may be illegal.  This is the case in the [[USA]], [[Australia]], [[Canada]],[[Germany]], and the [[United Kingdom|UK]], where it is currently legal to cultivate San Pedro unless it is for the purposes of consumption. <!--It is unclear exactly how intent to consume could be proved.  Possession of books, literature, and internet histories as well as large amounts of cactus (growing or not) may be enough evidence.  The possession of material such as dried cactus flesh would probably be illegal in most countries where mescaline is scheduled, however fresh cactus material could be used (and often is) in normal cultivation activities, and so may not be proof of intent to consume.  

In the [[United States|US]] mescaline was made illegal in 1970 by the [[Controlled Substances Act|Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act]]. It was prohibited internationally by the [[1971]] [[Convention on Psychotropic Substances]][http://www.incb.org/pdf/e/list/green.pdf] and is categorized as a Schedule I hallucinogen by the [[Controlled Substances Act|CSA]]. Mescaline is only legal for certain natives (such as those involved in the [[Native American Church]]). Penalties for manufacture or sale can be as high as five years in jail and a fine of $15,000, with a penalty of up to one year and fine of $5000 for possession.

This is unsourced and seems to be quite speculative. Citing case law where evidence ''has'' been used would be appropriate. Vague hints at how evidence ''might'' be used is not appropriate. -->

In most countries it is legal to cultivate San Pedro, but in countries where possession of mescaline and related compounds is illegal and highly penalized, cultivation for the purposes of consumption is most likely illegal and also highly penalized. This is the case in the [[USA]], [[Australia]], [[Canada]], [[Sweden]], [[Germany]], and the [[United Kingdom|UK]], where it is currently legal to cultivate San Pedro for gardening and ornamental purposes, but not for consumption. 

<!-- Possession of books, literature, and internet histories as well as large amounts of cactus (growing or not) may be enough evidence. The possession of material such as dried cactus flesh would probably be illegal in most countries where mescaline is scheduled, however fresh cactus material could be used (and often is) in normal cultivation activities, and so may not be proof of intent to consume. -->

==References==

==References==

* Smith, Michael S., ''Narcotic and Hallucinogenic Cacti of the New World'' (1998) http://entheogen.netfirms.com/articles/articles/Narcotic_Cacti.html.

* Smith, Michael S., ''Narcotic and Hallucinogenic Cacti of the New World'' (1998) http://entheogen.netfirms.com/articles/articles/Narcotic_Cacti.html.

* http://www.mescaline.com/sanpedro/

* http://www.mescaline.com/sanpedro/

==External links==

==External links==

* [http://www.erowid.org/plants/cacti/cacti.shtml Erowid Psychoactive Cacti vault (Erowid.org)]

* [http://www.erowid.org/plants/cacti/cacti.shtml Erowid Psychoactive Cacti vault (Erowid.org)]

**[http://www.erowid.org/plants/cacti/cacti_preparation5.shtml San Pedro</i> preparation guide]

* [http://www.erowid.org/plants/cacti/cacti_preparation5.shtml San Pedro</i> preparation guide]

* [http://www.plot55.com/growing/trichocereus.html Growing ''Trichocereus'' species (Plot55.com)]  

* [http://www.plot55.com/growing/trichocereus.html Growing ''Trichocereus'' species (Plot55.com)]  

* [http://sacred-cacti.blogspot.com/ Sacred Cacti - ''Trichocereus'' and related sp

* [http://sacred-cacti.blogspot.com/ Sacred Cacti - ''Trichocereus'' and related species]

ecies]

* [http://www.ontheroadtravel.com/travel-recommendations/Peru/readings/article-details.php?isCountryPage=Y&articleId=98&countryId=8 How to experience San Pedro - the sacred plant]

[[Category:Cacti]]

[[Category:Cacti]]