How Long Does Mescaline (Peyote) Last?

Edmund Murphy
Dr. Jacquie Leone
Written by Edmund Murphy on 22 February 2022
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jacquie Leone on 23 December 2024

Mescaline, which is found naturally in the peyote cactus, is a powerful psychedelic that has been used for centuries. Although it is not typically included in standard drug screenings, mescaline can still be detected through blood, saliva, urine, and hair testing. The duration of the high or "trip" experienced after ingesting mescaline can vary depending on several factors.

Key takeaways:
  • On average, mescaline has an onset of action between 1 to 3 hours and the effects will last 8 to 12 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.
Dirty hands holding a small, round, greenish-gray plant.

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 1 to 3 hours and the effects will last for 8 to 12 hours. Some mescaline trips have been known to last for up to 15 hours.

When used in spiritual practices and in sessions with heavy use, prolonged exposure to mescaline can mean trips last for longer periods of time. 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 from peyote can be detected in a blood test within the first 24 hours after taking it and as long as 90 days after taking in a hair sample.

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 amounts 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 percentage
  • 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.

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Resources:

  1. Dinis-Oliveira, R. J., Pereira, C. L., & Dias da Silva, D. (2019). Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Aspects of Peyote and Mescaline: Clinical and Forensic Repercussions. Current Molecular Pharmacology, 12(3), 184–194.
  2. Mescaline - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Www.sciencedirect.com.

Activity History - Last updated: 23 December 2024, Published date:


Reviewer

Dr. Leone holds a BA in Psychology, a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, and has been board-certified in holistic nutrition. Alongside her medical practice, teaching, and writing, she has extensive experience in outpatient addiction care where she integrated conventional and alternative medicine to support recovery and address underlying physical and mental health challenges associated to addiction. Dr. Leone blends the wisdom of Eastern medicine with the science of Western medicine, offering a functional and integrative approach to care.

Activity History - Medically Reviewed on 23 December 2024 and last checked on 23 December 2024

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Jacquie Leone

Dr. Jacquie Leone

NMD

Reviewer

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