Under Italian law, both the hallucinogenic alkaloid mescaline and the plants of Lophophora williamsii (commonly called ‘peyote’) that contain it are listed on List 1 of narcotic substances, so living, dried specimens and/or their parts belonging to this species are not allowed to be possessed and sold throughout the Italian teritory. Those who do so are liable to be prosecuted pecuniarily and criminally for possession and distribution of drugs.
The organizing committee of the Festa del Cactus assumes no responsibility for the failure of anyone to comply with this prohibition by offering live or dried Lophophora williamsii plants and/or their parts in any capacity as part of the event.
Since the law does not admit ignorance, it is good to know that any kind of Lophophora other than L. williamsii (such as. Lophophora jourdaniana, L. koehresii, L. caroli-veitchii, etc. …) may fall into synonymy with L. williamsii and thus indict its possessor, especially in light of the fact that indictment is usually subsequent to chemical analysis of the plants seized as a precautionary measure, which can actually confirm the presence of mescaline.
The buying and selling of fresh and/or dried fruits and seeds of Lophophora williamsii is absolutely free.
