Altered States of Consciousness During Ceremonial San Pedro Use

This open-label ceremonial use study (n=42) investigates the consciousness altering effects of San Pedro, a mescaline containing cactus, in ceremonial psychedelic retreats in Europe. Results indicate that San Pedro induces deviations from normal waking consciousness on all 11 subscales of the 11D-ASC, moderate scores of ego-dissolution, and a complete mystical experience in two thirds of participants.

Abstract

“San Pedro, a mescaline-containing cactus, has been used for thousands of years and is currently popular as a psychedelic substance in ceremonial retreats in Europe. The current research investigates the consciousness-altering effects of San Pedro. Forty-two participants who joined ceremonial psychedelic retreats in the Netherlands were investigated with questionnaires probing 11 dimensions of altered states of consciousness (11D-ASC), ego-dissolution, mystical experiences, and challenging experiences. Results tentatively demonstrate the status of San Pedro as a psychedelic, revealing deviations from normal waking consciousness on all 11 subscales of the 11D-ASC, moderate scores of ego-dissolution, and a complete mystical experience in two thirds of the participants. Furthermore, a consciousness profile of San Pedro was constructed, which revealed that spiritual experiences are strongly expressed in ceremonial San Pedro use. Furthermore, the San Pedro experience is characterized by low levels of disembodiment, anxiety, impaired control and cognition, transcendence of space, and relatively higher levels of physical distress and grief in case of (incidental) challenging experiences. Finally, graph network analysis indicated two separate networks of positive and negative altered states of consciousness. Possible interpretations of these findings are discussed in relation to the ceremonial setting, sympathomimetic effects of San Pedro’s alkaloids and variations in affective valence.”

Authors: Arne Bohn, Michiel H. H. Kiggen, Malin V. Uthaug, Kim I. M. van Oorsouw, Johannes G. Ramaekers & Hein T. van Schie

Summary of Altered States of Consciousness During Ceremonial San Pedro Use

San Pedro is a psychoactive psychedelic plant from the family of Cactaceae, that has a long history of being harvested by indigenous societies for its healing potential. The current study attempts to describe the psychological effects of ceremonial San Pedro use.

San Pedro, originally called Huachuma, is a cactus that has been used ceremonially for religious reasons as well as healing purposes. It was renamed after Saint Peter, who holds the keys to heaven, after Christianization of South America. Modern-day Peruvian subcultures use San Pedro cacti for ceremonial purposes, and the tradition of ceremonial practice is continued into the present day. San Pedro ceremonies are also held throughout Europe, although often inspired by indigenous traditions.

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