• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Alarmed by its availability on local online shopping platforms, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) warned the public on the proliferation of ‘Peyote’ (Lophophora williamsii), a spineless cactus that contains “Mescaline”, a dangerous hallucinogenic substance.
In an advisory, PDEA disclosed that “Mescaline” is classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act 9165, or “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”, and is listed as a controlled substance under the 1971 United Nations Single Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
“Mescaline” produces powerful hallucinogenic effects that can severely impair judgment and perception. Users may experience intense nausea, vomiting, dilation of pupils, headaches, muscle weakness and loss of motor coordination.
It can be taken mainly by oral ingestion of fresh or dried cacti. It may also be grounded into powder then placed in gelatin capsules, or smoked with cannabis or tobacco.
“When abused, “Mescaline” can cause varying degrees of illusions, hallucinations, distorted sense of body, and altered perception of space and time — effects that can lead to accidents, self-harm and unpredictable behavior”, PDEA Director General Isagani, said in a statement.
Historically, the “Peyote” cactus has been used for centuries in indigenous practices by Native Americans and Mexicans.
Nerez warned the public that “Peyote” is not an ornamental plant, but a source of dangerous drugs.
Being sold online either as smuggled contraband or cultivated locally, these cacti are deliberately pushed into online markets to evade detection, the PDEA chief said.
He also enjoined the public to immediately report any sightings or suspected sale of this deadly plant in their localities.*
