Western ‘psychedelic renaissance’ is partly to blame for dwindling supplies of peyote, which produces mescaline

Summary

The Native American Church warns of a peyote shortage, a sacred cactus used in religious ceremonies.

Overharvesting, land development, and surging demand from Western psychedelic seekers contribute to the decline.

Peyote, which grows slowly and only in limited regions of the US and Mexico, is further pressured by decriminalization movements and illegal poaching.

The Church has called for conservation measures.

The shortage threatens traditional practices, as the cactus is vital to the spiritual and cultural life of its 350,000 adherents.