Peyote is a small, spineless cactus native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is known for its psychoactive properties, primarily due to the presence of the compound mescaline. Traditionally, peyote has been used in various indigenous cultures for spiritual and medicinal purposes, often during religious ceremonies. The cactus typically grows in dry, rocky areas and has a distinctive round shape with a greenish color. Peyote is usually consumed by chewing the buttons of the cactus or brewing them into a tea. Its effects can include altered perception, visual hallucinations, and a sense of connection to nature and spirituality.