Tag: Mescaline

Although commercial cactus water is perfectly safe, certain cacti species contain the powerful psychoactive compound mescaline. The myth surrounding drug content often stems from confusion between hydrating drinks made from cacti like the prickly pear and the hallucinogenic properties found in other specific species like peyote. Understanding the difference is crucial for health and safety.

While many true cactus fruits are edible, including the popular prickly pear and dragon fruit, it is a dangerous misconception that all cactus-like plants bear safe fruit. Certain plants, often mistaken for cacti, produce toxic or psychoactive compounds, making them unfit for consumption. Learning which cactus fruit can you not eat is crucial for any forager or desert enthusiast to prevent serious health issues.

According to the brand Magic Cactus, their drinks contain sparkling cactus water, electrolytes, L-theanine, and a blend of hemp-derived cannabinoids. This modern, functional beverage, intended as an alcohol alternative, stands in stark contrast to traditional psychoactive cactus drinks containing mescaline.

While the prickly pear's fruit is edible, its cousins are not so benign. Knowing what cactus should you not eat is crucial, as some species contain psychoactive or toxic compounds, and dangerous lookalikes can cause severe reactions.