Stressing San Pedro Cactus to Induce a Survival Response
Although we can sell our cactus for ornamental purposes only, our opinions on this issue are based on common botanical knowledge as well as the shared experiences of others.
Research indicates that the sought after alkaloids in San Pedro cactus are increased by the cactus as a defense mechanism in response to some kind of stress. When a San Pedro cactus (as with many other herbs, plants and cacti) is stressed, a response is triggered and the cactus produces bitter tasting alkaloids near its surface to deter predators like insects and rodents from eating it. It may also cause it to sprout new growth. Its a survival technique for the cactus. Some succulents and cacti are water deprived to bring out bright fall colors which they display when distressed.
In contrast, when a cactus has everything it needs, as in a cared for landscape setting for example, it has little reason to produce these “defensive alkaloids” and is sometimes labeled as “PC” (Predominant Cultivar) which it may or may not be. Of course, in this case a larger amount of cactus would be needed to yield the same amount of alkaloids as a more potent stressed cactus. However, this same cactus can be forced into producing a higher alkaloid content by intentionally stressing the cactus in question. This can be done on a large scale or a very small scale as in a single pot.
Following are some of the methods for stressing cacti which have been reported to have successfully raised the chemical/alkaloid content in San Pedro cactus.
Remember that cactus are slow growing and these methods are generally started a few months prior to using them to allow the cactus time to respond to the stress inducing stimulus.
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Water deprivation is a very common method known to stress cacti into the alkaloid production.
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Intentional Damage like scaring (with a sterile knife) simulates the damage caused by rodent and insect predation.
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Excessive sun or shade is very stressful to the San Pedro cactus and can be easily controlled but be careful not to let them burn.
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Soil conditions can also be manipulated by depriving nutrients which also stresses your San Pedro cactus.
Check out the following site link for additional info; awco1988.com/shamanic-plant-history/
See our entire product line here; https://awco1988.com/view-all-items/ and check out the “drop down” menus at the top of each page for lots more San Pedro Cactus information
San Pedro cactus are legal to buy, sell and own for ornamental purposes.
4 Comments
Kiffy
Hello had my first experience with San Pedro ten years ago I just took the skin off the middle out cut the green into bit size pieces ate ontil I could eat no more , had a beautiful experience. Was listen to Santo Diame hymns,did their sacrament for 16 years , W aow.
MMI
Process* not prices
MMI
That’s extraordinary. Do you by chance remember the prices of stress experienced by the cacti?
I too am seeking ways to cultivate several strains of trichocereus while getting them as potent as possible.
Another question I haven’t been able to have answered is this: does the bluer the hue of a San Pedro have any indication of the alkaloid content, particularly mescaline, or if not sure another method exist to help determine this?
I am an aspiring cultivator, eager to learn as well a share this sacred cactus.
AG
Thank you for writing this page. I live in the NE and bought some San Pedro/ Trichocereus pachanoi pus and replanted them. They were unintentionally stressed through all methods mentioned above. I believe, through testing on myself and other willing participants, that I have been able to raise the alkaloid content of my San pedro cactus to an almost unbelievable scale. Making it possible to gain full psychoactive and psychedelic experience. In a bit blown away at the results. 1/2 grams of powdered photosynthetic layer PER DOSE. Anyone have any insights into this please comment. I assure you I am confident the dosage for psychedelic effects is correct, albeit unbelievable.