Looking for something different? Try the San Pedro cactus!
Maybe you’ve tried it before, or maybe you thought cacti were just for the windowsill. At Dutch-Smart, we have a whole range of cacti that are fun to look at, but even more fun to use! One of the absolute favorites is the classic San Pedro. We don’t just offer the cacti themselves, but also grow kits and seeds so you can grow them yourself. But what does the San Pedro actually do to you when you use it, and what do you need to keep in mind? We’d be happy to explain that to you.
Introducing: the San Pedro mescaline cactus
The San Pedro is a traditional hallucinogenic substance that is reportedly used in countries like Mexico and Peru during shamanic rituals. The cactus has also been used there in the past as a traditional medicine. It is, moreover, an ancient cactus species, originally native to the Andes Mountains. The trip that a mescaline cactus like the San Pedro can induce often results in strong, vivid hallucinations for many people. You often feel as though your consciousness has been expanded, so to speak. Many users experience such a trip as deeply spiritual and insightful.
What happens during a San Pedro trip?
As with many hallucinogenic substances, the effects vary from user to user. What you experience also depends on your mood and the circumstances you’re in. However, a common occurrence is that some users feel nauseous or need to vomit before the trip really sets in. It used to be said that this is part of a “cleansing process,” so that your body and mind are completely cleansed before the trip. So keep in mind that you may also experience this when you try the San Pedro cactus yourself. 
Preparing the cactus in 10 steps
You have a San Pedro cactus, but what now? How do you use it, and what do you need to keep in mind? Below is a detailed explanation in 10 clear steps!
- Step 1: Slice your cactus and then cut the slices into quarters. You should end up with pieces that are somewhat star-shaped.
- Step 2: Put the San Pedro pieces in a blender with an equal amount of water (half a container of pieces equals half a container of water).
- Step 3: Turn on the blender, in batches if necessary if you notice it foaming too much.
- Step 4: Heat the mixture over low heat in a large pot. Keep a close eye on the pot to prevent the mixture from boiling over.
- Step 5: At first, the cactus will separate from the water, but later they will come back together. When they mix again, stir thoroughly and make sure to keep the heat low. This first phase of cooking takes half an hour to an hour.
- Step 6: Once the mixture becomes frothy and slightly thicker, turn up the heat slightly to let it simmer (do not let it boil over!).
- Step 7: Let everything simmer for two to four hours, checking on it regularly. If it reduces too quickly, add a little water if necessary. You want to end up with a substance that is similar in thickness to syrup or glue.
