Peyote is classified as globally vulnerable (G3) by NatureServe (2020) and is declining. The main threats are habitat destruction from agriculture and energy infrastructure, and harvesting pressure from both legal ceremonial use and illegal recreational collection. Peyote may take more than six years to recover after a single harvest and does not easily recolonize disturbed land. Growing demand from wellness tourism is increasing that pressure. This is a real conservation concern, and one practical reason some people choose San Pedro cactus as an alternative mescaline source.
