The San Pedro Cactus, commonly referred to as Trichocereus, is known for its hallucinogenic properties. This towering columnar cactus, capable of reaching heights of 20 feet, is notable for its mescaline content. In Peru, it is revered as Huachuma, holding a sacred status alongside tobacco and coca.

Additional psychotropic alkaloids have been identified in the San Pedro Cactus. Its skin, which can be processed by drying, peeling, and grinding into a powder, contains the most potent concentration of mescaline. The cactus is also widely recognized by its traditional name, Huachuma.

Naturally found near Peru's Cordillera Blanca Mountain range, the cradle of the ancient Chavin civilization, confirm the San Pedro Cactus's usage dating back over 4000 years. The Chavin, known as the first sophisticated civilization in Peru, played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and religious practices of subsequent societies, including the Inca.

For millennia, Andean cultures have consumed San Pedro for various purposes, including healing, religious divination, and to facilitate spiritual awakenings.

 Chavin Lore

According to the earliest evidence, humans first used it in approximately 1300 BC. A stone carving depicting a supernatural creature holding San Pedro Cactus can be found in a temple dating to the ancient Chavin culture in Northern Peru. This would be a shaky but intriguing link to the Chavin people who ate San Pedro. The discovery of 3000-year-old San Pedro cigars at the exact location provides ample evidence for scientists to prove its use.

One notable artifact is a stone engraving that portrays a "huachumero" (a shaman specializing in huachuma) clutching a San Pedro Cactus. Archaeologists have dated this carving to 1500 B.C. or possibly earlier. Huachuma continues to be utilized in the northern regions of Chile, Ecuador, and Bolivia, with many adherents still practicing traditional Chavín customs. The Chavín tribe is known for creating numerous religious artworks featuring figures with the San Pedro cactus, thus identifying it as the earliest known psychoactive plant used medicinally.

Additionally, a ceramic pitcher from the Chimú culture, dating back to 1200 A.D., features an engraving of an owl-faced woman holding a cactus. This image is interpreted as representing a patron spirit, serving as a protector of herbalists and shamans.

Spanish Lore

During the Spanish conquest, Roman Catholic authorities sought to claim South America and attempted to ban the indigenous use of huachuma. This effort only led to the secretive continuation of their ceremonies, often starting after midnight. Following the Spanish occupation, huachuma was colloquially termed "San Pedro" (Saint Peter), named after the Christian saint believed to hold the keys to heaven. Legend has it that using San Pedro helps one reach heaven while still on Earth, hence the name, the key to heaven.