The usual dose is 300 to 500 mg. Most samples that have been analyzed actually contain PCP, LSD or some substance other than mescaline. Psychic effects similar to other hallucinogens appear slowly and last 10 to 18 hours. Reports of mystical or religious experiences are common, which is not surprising considering the association of mescaline with religious events. Physical effects include dilated pupils, fever, and nausea and vomiting.
High doses can cause headache, dry skin, low blood pressure and slowing of heart rate and breathing.
Psilocybin, and the related chemical psilocin, are the active ingredients in several species of mushrooms and other fungi that grow throughout Canada. Most belong to the genus Psilocybe. Psilocybin is sold as mushrooms or in capsules containing powder of various colours. The common dose is from 5 mg to 60 mg taken orally. The effects of psilocybin are usually felt after about half an hour, and last for several hours.