By Edmund Murphy

Last updated: 06 April 2024 & medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon

Mescaline, which is found naturally in the peyote cactus, is a powerful hallucinogenic that has been used for centuries. While not commonly screened for, the drug can still be detected in blood, saliva, urine, and hair. The high or "trip" that occurs when mescaline is ingested can last for longer or shorter periods of time depending on certain factors.

Key takeaways:

On average, mescaline has an onset of action between 45 to 60 minutes and the effects will last for around eight hours.

The mescaline in peyote can be detected in the human body in as little as two days and for up to 90 days. 

Someone who has been using mescaline for a long period of time or in high doses will carry the substance in their system for longer than someone who hasn’t.

peyote cactus, picking cactus, mescaline, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine, Lophophora Williamsii

How long does mescaline last?

The psychedelic effect of mescaline, or the ‘trip’, can last for different amounts of time from person to person depending on physiological and psychological factors. 

On average, mescaline has an onset of action between 45 to 60 minutes and the effects will last for around eight hours. Some mescaline trips have been known to last for up to 15 hours. 

When used in spiritual practices and in sessions of heavy use, prolonged exposure to mescaline can mean trips last for longer. Read here to find out more about peyote trips and the effects of mescaline on the brain. 

How long does peyote stay in your system?

The mescaline in peyote can be detected in the human body in as little as two days and for up to 90 days. 

There is inconclusive research to show exactly how long peyote can remain in the body. Though, there is an estimated average time for how long the drug stays in the system given the type of drug test used. 

The average length of time mescaline stays in the system for is:

Blood - Up to 24 hours

Saliva - 1 to 10 days

Urine -  2 to 3 days

Hair follicle - Up to 90 days

Mescaline needs to be specifically tested for and will not show up on most routine drug tests.

Read here to learn more about how long drugs and alcohol stay in the system.

Factors that affect mescaline detection time

There are many factors that can influence how long a drug takes to be processed by the body and eliminated. 

For instance, someone who has been using mescaline for a long period of time or in high doses will carry the substance in their system for longer than someone who hasn’t. The same is also true if someone abuses multiple drugs or combines them with alcohol regularly.

Other factors that influence mescaline metabolization rates include:

  • Body fat

  • Height

  • Blood pressure

  • Gender

  • Age

  • Pre-existing medical conditions (especially those involving kidney or liver function)

If you or someone you know has an issue with mescaline abuse, seek treatment today.