C.S.S.N.S.W Monthly Meeting With Dr Liam Engel

This month we have another fantastic speaker, Dr Liam Engel.

Dr Liam Engel is an ethnobotanist, natural products chemist and science communicator with a fondness for psychoactive plants, especially mescaline-containing Trichocereus cacti and tryptamine-containing Acacia trees. Liam works alongside WSU’s NICM Health Research Institute and The Mescaline Garden educational nursery.  

Psychoactive Cacti Chemistry  

Different psychoactive plants effect the mind, and chemistry and pharmacology give clues around what these effects might feel like. The effects of coffee beans and caffeine are quite different to the effects of cannabis flower and THC! 

While different cacti have different psychoactive chemistry, the psychoactive effects of most cacti can be described as psychedelic. When consumed, psychedelic cacti produce specific effects including mystical-type thinking, ‘hallucinations’ and the amplification of mood. The psychedelic effects of cacti are largely due to one chemical: mescaline.  

In this talk, Dr Engel will explain psychoactive effects, their relationship with mescaline cacti and overview his work quantifying mescaline in Australian cacti cultivars in the context of Echinopsis horticulture, ethnobotany and emerging psychedelic medicines.

www.themescalinegarden.com 

www.liamengel.doctor 

http://instagram.com/themescalinegarden 

https://www.patreon.com/DrLiamEngel 

Our General Meetings are the heart and soul of the Cactus and Succulent Society of NSW Inc., bringing together a vibrant community of enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting your succulent journey, we warmly welcome you to join us for an evening of learning, sharing, and growing together. 

Meeting Schedule:

First Friday of each month (except January)
6:45 PM: Informal gathering for fellowship and plant sales – a perfect time to meet new friends and find unique plants!
7:30 PM: Formal meeting with a guest speaker – dive into fascinating topics like the care and cultivation of specific genera, seed propagation, and insights into plants in their natural habitats.
10:30 PM: Meeting concludes.
Stay tuned for updates on our guest speakers through the Society’s Facebook page or the news tab on our website. 

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It:

Engage with Experts: Each meeting features a guest speaker who shares their invaluable knowledge and experience.
Bring Your Plants: Members are encouraged to bring plants for discussion, seeking tips and advice from fellow enthusiasts.
Exclusive Access: Enjoy access to a well-stocked library, auctions of rare and unusual plants, and the chance to win lucky door prizes.
We look forward to seeing you at our next gathering, where the passion for cacti and succulents truly thrives. 

Come grow with us and be part of a community that celebrates the beauty and resilience of these amazing plants!