The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has issued a public warning over the reported online sale of peyote, a spineless cactus known for containing mescaline, a dangerous hallucinogenic substance. The agency said it received information that the plant is circulating through online shopping platforms, raising concern about its potential misuse.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez said mescaline is classified as a dangerous drug under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, or RA 9165. The substance is also controlled under United Nations regulations. He noted that some sellers may be advertising peyote as an ornamental plant to avoid detection, even though its primary risk comes from its psychoactive content.
According to the agency, mescaline can cause severe disorientation, hallucinations, vomiting, headaches, physical weakness, and loss of coordination. These effects, Nerez said, can impair a person’s ability to think and react, increasing the risk of accidents or harmful behavior.
Peyote can be consumed in several ways. It may be taken as a drink, ground into powder and placed in capsules, or mixed with cannabis or tobacco. PDEA said these forms make the substance easier to conceal and distribute.
Nerez emphasized that peyote should not be treated as a harmless decorative plant, stressing that its sale or possession could be linked to attempts to evade law enforcement. He also warned that its psychoactive effects pose significant dangers, particularly if used without medical supervision or in uncontrolled environments.
PDEA urged the public to report any sightings or sales of the cactus, especially in online marketplaces where illicit items may be harder to monitor. The agency said community reports remain vital in stopping the spread of illegal or hazardous substances.
