Peyote And Mescaline

by Olive, M. Foster

• ISBN13: 9780791085455
• ISBN10: 0791085457
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2007-01-01
• Publisher: CHELSEA HOUSE PUBLISHERS

Summary

Peyote, also known as the Divine Herb and Devil's Root, is a hallucinogenic drug found naturally in the crown of a spineless cactus native to Mexico and the United States. The active substance in peyote is mescaline, which has a bitter taste and can cause changes in perception, mood, and sense of time. Although often abused for its hallucinogenic properties, peyote also plays a traditional role in the religious rituals of some Native American groups. In-depth information on the drug's history, pharmacological effects, and risks accompanied by full-color photographs, a glossary, sidebars, and other features make this volume an essential reference for those researching the topic. Book jacket.

Table of Contents

The Use and Abuse of Drugs	p. 6
Hallucinogens: An Overview	p. 8
What are Peyote and Mescaline?	p. 19
History of Peyote and Mescaline Use-Ancient and Modern	p. 26
The Chemistry and Pharmacology of Mescaline	p. 43
Psychological Effects of Peyote and Mescaline	p. 52
Medicinal Uses of Peyote	p. 61
Problems Associated with the Use of Peyote and Mescaline	p. 69
Drug Enforcement Administration Classification of Controlled Substances	p. 78
List of Chemicals Found in the Peyote Cactus	p. 80
Native American Names for Peyote	p. 82
Notes	p. 83
Bibliography	p. 84
Further Reading	p. 86
Web Sites	p. 87
Index	p. 88
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

Found naturally in the crown of a spineless cactus native to Mexico and the United States, peyote, also known as the "Divine Herb" and "Devil's Root," has been used for centuries as a hallucinogenic drug. The active substance in peyote is mescaline, which has a bitter taste and can cause changes in perception, mood, and sense of time. Peyote and Mescaline provides a useful and detailed survey of this powerful hallucinogen and its main active chemical. M. Foster Olive outlines the history of peyote use in North America, the pharmacology of mescaline and its actions in the brain, medicinal uses of peyote, and possible problems associated with using the drug, including physical and psychological side effects. Full-color photographs and illustrations, a glossary, sidebars, and other features supply additional facts for those researching this topic.