Peyote: The Divine Cactus

by Edward F. Anderson

Overview

Dry whiskey, Divine herb, Devil’s root, Medicine of God, Peyote: for some people, to use it is to hear colors and see sounds. For many Native Americans, it brings an ability to reach out of their physical lives, to communicate with the spirits, and to become complete. For chemists, pharmacologists, and psychiatrists, the plant is fascinating in its complexity and in the ways its chemicals work upon the human mind.

What is it in peyote that causes such unusual effects? Can modern medical science learn anything from Native Americans’ use of peyote in curing a wide variety of ailments? What is the Native American Church, and how do its members use peyote? Does anyone have the legal right to use drugs or controlled substances in religious ceremonies?

Within this volume are answers to these and dozens of other questions surrounding the controversial and remarkable cactus. Greatly expanded and brought up-to-date from the 1980 edition, these pages describe peyote ceremonies and the users’ experiences, and also cover the many scientific and legal aspects of using the plant. Well written, informative, comprehensive, and enlightening, the book will be welcomed by counselors, anthropologists, historians, physicians, chemists, lawyers, and observers of the contemporary drug scene, as well as by interested general readers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780816545803
Publisher:	University of Arizona Press
Publication date:	09/01/1996
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	272
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Edward F. Anderson was Senior Research Botanist at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. He was also on the faculty of Whitman College for thirty years. He is the author of Plants and People of the Golden Triangle and is co-author of Threatened Cacti of Mexico.  

Table of Contents

Contents List of Illustrations A Word from the Author Introduction 1. Peyote in Mexico The Spanish Conquest and Peyote Native American Use of Peyote Native American Traditions Possible Origins of Peyotism Native American Oppression The Attraction of Peyotism The Spread of Peyotism 3. Peyote Ceremonies Preparations for the Ceremony The Basic Plains Ceremony Variations of Peyote Ceremonies Christian Influences Peyote Music Memories of a Navajo V-Way Ceremony 4. The Peyote User's Experience Phases of the Experience Important Aspects of the Experience Visions Adverse Reactions Use by Native Americans Early Uses by Anglo-Americans Possible Antibiotic Actions Psychiatric Uses Physiological Effects Physiological Action of Mescaline Toxicity of Mescaline Tolerance Cytogenetic Effects Mescaline, LSD, Psilocybin, and Marijuana Alkaloids Peyote Alkaloids Peyote Alkaloids in Other Cacti Chemically Different Species of Peyote Mescaline Structure-Activity Relationship of Mescaline Biosynthesis of Peyote Alkaloids 8. Botany of Peyote Botanical History Common Names of Lophophora Plants Confused with Peyote Morphology Biogeography Ecology Characteristics Evolution Cultivation Conservation 9. Legal Aspects of Peyote Narcotics, Drugs, and Addiction Religious Freedom The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 The United States Supreme Court Decision of 1990 Congressional Actions Since 1990 Epilogue: The Divine Cactus Appendix A. Peyote Systematics Appendix B. Peyote Alkaloids The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 The American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 American Indian Religious Freedom Act Amendments of 1994 References Cited Index

Editorial Reviews

"Drugs have had an extraordinary impact on contemporary life in this country. . . . No other social problem has generated so much debate and controversy. No other area of public policy formulation is so riddled with half-truths and false information. Edward Anderson’s book fills a gap that needed to be filled."—Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

"This book will certainly contribute to a better understanding and respect for this substance."—Drug Survival News

"Especially admirable [are] its relatively objective tone and the breadth of its learning. . . . a tour de force of interdisciplinary scholarship."—Arizona and the West

"Each chapter is extremely informative and enlightening. . . . [The book exhibits] deep sensitivity and understanding . . . for the plight of the Mexican and American Indians in their desire to use peyote in the face of the white man’s prohibitions against it."—Street Pharmacologist"

From the Publisher