Arizona’s Strange Legality Of Powerful Hallucinogens

From the Beatles' adventures with LSD in the '60s to Aaron Rodgers' famed ayahuasca retreats, hallucinogenic drugs have been at the forefront of popular culture for decades.

LSD and Magic Mushrooms, the two most popular psychedelic drugs, hold much of the media presence due to their popularity among artists and bored college kids, but there's one hallucinogen that carries an almost mythical reputation.

What is Peyote?

By definition, Peyote is nothing more than a cactus. It's a small, round plant that has one notable difference from the Saguaro and Barrel Cacti we're used to seeing across Arizona: it has no spines. These are typically used to deter predators, so what does Peyote do to ensure it's not eaten?

Well, they produce mescaline, which is a highly potent hallucinogen. Obviously, this does the job for animals, but humans found the mescaline to produce eye-opening and spiritual experience, which has led to its recreational use, especially across the southwest United States.

Get our free mobile app

Read More:

Is Cash Becoming Mandatory in Arizona?

Is Peyote Legal in Arizona

No, of course not. Much like LSD, Magic Mushrooms, and every other psychedelic substance, Peyote and Mescaline are listed as Schedule I substances, and restricted heavily by the DEA. Their legality does get a bit more complicated inside the borders of the Grand Canyon State.

Long before the days of the American government, indigenous tribes used Peyote as a part of religious ceremonies, and that is still respected today. In fact, the only legal way to buy or grow the plant is to claim religious exemption under ARS §13-3402.

You must have an affiliation with a recognized native tribe, and the drug must be used for religious purposes. Outside of those specific requirements, the drug is highly illegal between Arizona's borders, and anyone caught processing or attempting to sell the plant will be charged with a Class 6 felony.

[DEA][Tamou Law Group][ARS §13-3402]