What is Peyote?

Peyote is indeed a type of cactus, specifically lophophora williamsii, known for its psychoactive properties due to the presence of mescaline. This cactus has been used for centuries, particularly by Indigenous peoples in the Americas, in religious and spiritual ceremonies for its hallucinogenic effects. The active compound, mescaline, leads to altered states of consciousness, vivid imagery, and perceptual changes.

While Peyote does have hallucinogenic properties, identifying it as a cactus emphasizes its natural origin and traditional use. The other choices misrepresent Peyote's characteristics: it's not synthetic or a prescription medication, and while it is a hallucinogen, the classification as a cactus provides a clearer understanding of what Peyote fundamentally is.