# New findings in mescaline research: Targets a different brain region The psychedelic substance mescaline affects a different brain area compared to LSD and psilocybin. - **Source:** [Reddit Science](https://brifing.si/source/1294ffb3-9f44-431d-8cd2-05584c8d9014) - **Published:** 2026-07-21 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d10aa74a-c564-4fe8-b8a4-b2b54a593e93 ## Barriers in psychedelic research Despite being one of the oldest psychedelics, mescaline has rarely been studied with modern imaging techniques due to its Schedule 1 status. This has delayed understanding of its mechanism of action. ## Significance of the new study Researchers discovered that mescaline targets a different brain region in awake rats compared to LSD and psilocybin. This finding expands our understanding of psychedelic mechanisms. ## Differences in brain regions Study results show mescaline is particularly effective in the prefrontal cortex. This area plays a critical role in cognitive control and decision-making, indicating a distinct effect profile. ## Methodology and approach Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine brain activity in awake rats. This method allowed observation of the substance's real-time effects. ## Future of psychedelic therapies Different psychedelics targeting distinct brain regions could help develop personalized mental health treatments. These findings may open new doors for depression and PTSD therapies. ## Legal barriers and research freedom The study highlights legal challenges in researching Schedule 1 substances. Scientists emphasize that removing such barriers could better reveal psychedelics' therapeutic potential. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/1v2myy5/one_of_the_oldest_psychedelics_has_almost_never/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._