To the editors, Although mescaline use is often viewed as posing a minimal health risk, we encountered a case demonstrating that ingestion can be fatal.
Botulism can be a consequence of peyote ingestion if the cactus buttons are stored in water.
We report a case of fatal mescaline intoxication associated with Mallory-Weiss esophageal lacerations. After an uncertain period of time with unknown symptoms, he developed respiratory distress and suddenly collapsed. He was transported to a hospital and died after unsuccessful resuscitative efforts. His liver had marked fatty change consistent with chronic alcoholism. A trace amount of chlordiazepoxide was also found in a blood specimen.