1. a psychoactive alkaloid compound found in certain cacti, especially the peyote cactus, that produces hallucinogenic effects
Usage: also spelled mescaline; chemistry/pharmacology term; controlled substance in many jurisdictions

Examples

• Mescalin is the primary psychoactive ingredient in peyote.
• The chemical structure of mescalin was first synthesized in the laboratory in 1919.
• Researchers have studied mescalin's effects on perception and consciousness.
• Mescalin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States.
• The peyote cactus naturally produces mescalin as an alkaloid compound.