There are many things i do not know. I intend for this blog to be a continual journey of learning for both myself and those who wish to learn the truth.
Trichocereus are a unique genus of cacti native mainly to the northwest portion of South America including Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and parts of Argentina, Colombia and Chile. Also known as San Pedro, named after Saint Peter who was one of Jesus' 12 disciples, often depicted as the gatekeeper of heaven. Huachuma is another name for the cactus in the Quechua language, that spoken by the indigenous peoples of the region.
Long been used for healing by the natives, archeological evidence for the ceremonial use of San Pedro cactus dates back to earlier Andean cultures like the Chavín (around 3,500 years ago) and subsequently the Incas, who later dominated the region.
The main species of the trichocereus genus are bridgesii, aka Bolivian Torch, peruvianus, aka Peruvian Torch, and Pachanoi, often referred to as just San Pedro, even though all of these species are often considered as such.
While their alkaoid profiles differ, both San Pedro and the Peyote miraculously contain mescaline. Peyote usage dates back thousands of years among the indigenous groups in Mexico and the southern plains of the United States.
The genus used to be trichocereus and has since been lumped in with echinopsis, however many San Pedro enthusiasts still refer to it as trichocereus with a clear distinction between the echinopsis cactus that people usually cultivate for their unique flower colors.
There are many things that are amazing about these cacti. While i dont encourage anyone to experiment with these plants in an unsafe or disrespectful way, its understandable that not everyone has the opportunity at all times to have a genuine ceremonial experience. Speaking from my limited experiences with this medicine, i will say with confidence that cactus grandfather granted me a moustache.
I pray for everyone reading this. I will continue updating this educational page often as I map out out my understanding of this amazing plant teacher.