Ayahuasca vs. Mescaline — What's the Difference?

Contains naturally occurring DMT, a powerful hallucinogen.

A hallucinogenic compound found in certain cacti.

A psychoactive brew used primarily for spiritual and therapeutic purposes.

Generally ingested in the form of dried cactus buttons.

Traditionally used by indigenous tribes in the Amazon.

Used both recreationally and as part of traditional spiritual practices.

Involves a brew made from specific vines and leaves.

Has a long history of use among Native American peoples.

Effects can include intense visions, insights, and emotional upheaval.

Known for causing colorful visual hallucinations and altered states.

Ayahuasca is a South American (pan-Amazonian) psychoactive brew used both socially and as ceremonial spiritual medicine among the indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin. It is a psychedelic and entheogenic brew commonly made out of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, the Psychotria viridis shrub or a substitute, and possibly other ingredients.

Mescaline (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine) is a naturally occurring psychedelic protoalkaloid of the substituted phenethylamine class, known for its hallucinogenic effects comparable to those of LSD and psilocybin. It occurs naturally in the San Pedro cactus (Trichocereus (Echinopsis) pachanoi), the Peruvian torch (Trichocereus peruvianus (Echinopsis peruviana)), the Bolivian torch cactus (Echinopsis lageniformis), the peyote cactus (Lophophora williamsii), and other species of cacti.

A hallucinogenic brew made from the bark and stems of a tropical South American vine of the genus Banisteriopsis, especially B. caapi, mixed with other psychotropic plants, used especially in shamanistic rituals by certain Amazonian Indian peoples.

A hallucinogenic alkaloid, C11H17NO3, obtained from peyote buttons and used by certain Native American tribes in religious rituals and illicitly as a recreational drug.

A giant vine native to South America (especially Banisteriopsis caapi), noted for its psychotropic properties.

(biochemistry) A hallucinogenic and intoxicating compound present in the peyote cactus (Lophophora williamsii), the San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi), and the Peruvian torch (Echinopsis peruviana).

Any of various psychoactive infusions or decoctions prepared from this vine.

The hallucinatory alkaloid that is the active agent in mescal buttons

Ayahuasca involves a combination of DMT and MAOIs, often used in ceremonial settings, while mescaline is a single compound used in both sacred and secular contexts.

Both can lead to profound psychological and visual experiences, but ayahuasca is often more introspective and mescaline more visual.

Legal status varies by country and context; ayahuasca is sometimes allowed for religious or spiritual ceremonies, while mescaline is often regulated but can be used legally by specific indigenous groups.

Both substances can cause significant psychological distress if not used carefully, with risks heightened by pre-existing mental health conditions.

Effects of ayahuasca can last 4 to 8 hours, while mescaline can last up to 12 hours depending on the dose.

Ayahuasca is increasingly used in therapeutic settings for mental health issues like depression and PTSD; mescaline has been explored less extensively.

Preparation typically involves dietary and mental preparation, especially for ayahuasca, which may also require guidance from a shaman or experienced facilitator.

Both can cause nausea and vomiting; ayahuasca often more so, and both alter perception and can cause changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

Ayahuasca is usually brewed by knowledgeable practitioners, while mescaline is extracted from cactus that is either grown or wild-harvested.

Both substances require careful consideration of set (mindset) and setting (environment) to ensure safe and positive experiences.

First-time users should be aware of the psychological intensity and potential for challenging experiences, and ideally be guided by experienced users or facilitators.

Ayahuasca visuals are often described as more narrative or journey-like, while mescaline produces more geometric and intensely colorful visuals.

Both can profoundly alter the perception of time, often making the experience feel much longer than it actually is.

Neither substance is generally considered addictive, but psychological dependency can develop, especially without proper guidance and support.

Ayahuasca is central to some South American indigenous cultures for spiritual healing; mescaline has similar significance in Native American spiritual practices.