[citation needed] Among the indigenous populations of Bolivia, it is sometimes called achuma or wachuma, although these names are also applied to related species such as Trichocereus macrogonus which are also used for their psychedelic effects.

Among the native populations of Bolivia it is sometimes called achuma or wachuma, although these names are also applied to related species, such as Echinopsis pachanoi, which also have hallucinogenic effects.

[6] These all tend to be slower growing than the standard form of the species, but owing to their highly unusual shapes, they are sought after by cactus collectors.

Contrary to the typical columnar habit of the species, this cultivar displays short stem sections that branch avidly, forming a low spiny bush.

Other highly valued cultivars are called Ben, Crown of Thorns, Fahim`s Bridgesii #1, Fields Bridge, Foolsbreath, Jiimz Twin Spine, and Nimbin.

The plant contains a number of psychoactive alkaloids, in particular the well-studied chemical mescaline, typically at levels more consistent than Echinopsis pachanoi.

[8][9] However, a level of 0.56% mescaline content by dry weight was reported for some weaker E. lageniformis, while more than 2% for some extraordinary cultivars of E. pachanoi.