The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is urging the public to remain vigilant following reports on the growing presence of Peyote (Lophophora williamsii), a spineless cactus that contains mescaline—a highly potent hallucinogenic substance classified as a dangerous drug.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez issued the advisory after learning that Peyote cacti are being sold on local online shopping platforms. Mescaline is listed as a dangerous drug under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and is regulated under the 1971 United Nations Single Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
According to PDEA, mescaline triggers powerful hallucinogenic effects that can severely impair a person’s judgment, perception, and motor skills. Users may experience nausea, vomiting, pupil dilation, headaches, muscle weakness, and loss of coordination. It is commonly taken by eating fresh or dried cactus, grounding it into powder to place in capsules, or mixing it with cannabis or tobacco for smoking.
“When abused, mescaline can cause illusions, hallucinations, distorted body perception, and an altered sense of space and time—effects that may lead to accidents, self-harm, and unpredictable behavior,” Undersecretary Nerez said.
Historically, Peyote has been used by Native American and Mexican communities for ceremonial purposes. But PDEA stressed that in the Philippines, it should not be treated as an ornamental plant.
“The public must understand that Peyote is a source of a dangerous drug. Whether smuggled or locally cultivated, these cacti are being pushed into online markets to avoid detection,” DG Nerez warned. “We urge the public to report any sightings or suspected sale of this harmful plant.”
“Our foremost objective is to protect Filipinos from substances that threaten their health, safety, and future. Peyote containing mescaline poses real danger, and we will not allow it to take root in our communities,” the PDEA Chief added.