Huachuma, the Andean psychedelic cactus, is drawing Western seekers and raising ethical questions

Huachuma, an Andean cactus better known as San Pedro, has been used for centuries in healing ceremonies. Forest & Kim Starr via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

For at least two decades, thousands of Americans have been going to Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil to look for ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew traditionally used in sacred ceremonies in South America. Ayahuasca contains the psychedelic compound DMT, N-Dimethyltryptamine, and researchers are studying its effects on several conditions, including depression and addiction.

However, another sacred plant is quietly drawing Western seekers as well: huachuma, the Andean cactus better known as San Pedro. The plant contains mescaline, a psychoactive compound that alters perception and mood, sharpening the senses and amplifying feelings of empathy and connection.