Peyote cactus, scientifically known as Lophophora williamsii, is a small, spineless cactus native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a sacred plant used for religious and spiritual purposes by certain Native American tribes, particularly the Huichol and the Native American Church.

The distinctive feature of the Peyote cactus is its button-like appearance. It consists of a flat, rounded crown, which is the top part of the cactus, and it usually has a bluish-green or grayish-green color. The crown is covered with small, button-shaped protrusions known as “mescal buttons.” These buttons contain psychoactive compounds, particularly mescaline, which is a naturally occurring psychedelic alkaloid.

Peyote has been used for centuries in ceremonial and healing practices. It is traditionally consumed by ingesting the mescal buttons, either by chewing them or brewing them into a tea. The effects of Peyote can induce altered states of consciousness, leading to vivid hallucinations, altered perceptions of time and space, and spiritual experiences.

It is worth noting that the use of Peyote is legally protected for religious purposes by the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 in the United States. However, outside of religious or spiritual contexts, the possession and consumption of Peyote may be illegal in many jurisdictions due to its psychoactive properties. It is important to respect the cultural and legal considerations surrounding the use of Peyote and any other psychoactive substances.