2C-I
2C-I is a synthetic phenethylamine psychedelic and member of the 2C-x family, a group of compounds derived through systematic modifications of mescaline. Alexander Shulgin synthesized it in 1976 and included it in PiHKAL, published in 1991.1 Often compared to 2C-B though less widely used, 2C-I gained popularity as a recreational psychedelic in the late 1990s. It is sometimes confused with the more dangerous analog 25I-NBOMe.2
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Effects respond steeply to small dose changes; a difference of as little as 2 mg can noticeably alter intensity, so gradual titration is advised. Doses above 35 mg can be unpleasantly strong even for experienced users.
Duration
Subjective Effects
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
Cognitive
The head space of 2C-I is described by many as one which is relatively normal in its thought processes even at moderate to high dosages. It is often said to lack insight when compared to that of 2C-E, 2C-B and LSD.
Visual
Distortions
Geometry
The visual geometry of 2C-I can be described as more similar in appearance to that of LSD or 2C-B than that of 2C-E, psilocin, or ayahuasca although it is much more bland and less detailed. They can be comprehensively described as unstructured in their organization, algorithmic in geometric style, intricate in complexity, large in size, fast and smooth in motion, colourful in scheme, glossy in colour, both soft and sharp in their edges as well as equally rounded and angular in their corners. They seem high in algorithmic visuals such as fractals and at higher dosages are significantly more likely to result in states of Level 7A visual geometry over Level 7B.
Hallucinatory States
Like LSD, while 2C-I is capable of producing a full range of low and high level hallucinatory states, this is extremely rare and inconsistent at higher levels but common at lower levels.
Auditory
Reagent Testing
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Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
2C-I acts as a partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, which is believed to underlie its psychedelic effects. It is inactive as a monoamine releasing agent and shows negligible activity as a monoamine reuptake inhibitor.3
Pharmacokinetics
2C-I is metabolized by monoamine oxidase enzymes MAO-A and MAO-B.4
Dangerous
Highest riskThese combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
Unsafe
AvoidThere is considerable risk of physical harm when taking these combinations, they should be avoided where possible.
Caution
Use cautionThese combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Synergistic effects may be unpredictable. Care should be taken when choosing to use this combination.
Tolerance
Serotonergic psychedelics5
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
Extremely Low2C-I is not considered habit-forming and the desire to use it may actually decrease with repeated use, consistent with classical psychedelics. Some individuals may use it more frequently than intended, but psychological dependence is unlikely.
Physical
Extremely Low2C-I is not physically addicting and withdrawal effects following discontinuation have not been reported.
Psychosis Risk
As with psychedelics generally, 2C-I may trigger latent psychological and mental problems in susceptible individuals. Those with a family history of schizophrenia or early onset mental illness should exercise extreme caution. Acute psychological effects such as disorientation, confusion, anxiety, and fear of death may occur during intoxication.
History & Culture
Discovery and Synthesis
2C-I was first synthesized and investigated for human activity by Alexander Shulgin in the mid-to-late 1970s. The compound was initially described in scientific literature in 19776, with its properties and effects in humans documented the following year. Shulgin later…
Trip Reports
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Legality
International
1961 Single Convention: 2C-I is not individually scheduled.
1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances: Schedule I.
1988 Convention: 2C-I is not listed in precursor Tables I or II.
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- (June 2013). 2C or not 2C: phenethylamine designer drug review. Journal of Medical Toxicology, 9(2), 172–178. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13181-013-0295-x12
- Nikolaou P, Papoutsis I, Stefanidou M, Spiliopoulou C, & Athanaselis S. (2015). 2C-I-NBOMe, an "N-bomb" that kills with "Smiles". Toxicological and legislative aspects. Drug and Chemical Toxicology, 38(1), 113-119. https://doi.org/10.3109/01480545.2014.91188212
- (March 2014). Behavioral and neurochemical pharmacology of six psychoactive substituted phenethylamines: mouse locomotion, rat drug discrimination and in vitro receptor and transporter binding and function. Psychopharmacology, 231(5), 875–888. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-013-3303-61
- (n.d.). The sensual effects of 2C-I were described as different from and possibly less than those of 2C-B .. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2006.09.0221
- Adam L. Halberstadt. (January 2015). Recent advances in the neuropsychopharmacology of serotonergic hallucinogens. Behavioural Brain Research, 277, 99-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2014.07.0161
- (December 1977). Synthesis and body distribution of several iodine-131 labeled centrally acting drugs. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 20(12), 1543–1546. https://doi.org/10.1021/jm00222a00112
- Alexander Shulgin, & Ann Shulgin. (1991). PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story. Transform Press. https://erowid.org/library/books_online/pihkal/pihkal033.shtml123
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. (July 22, 2004). DEA Announces Arrests of Website Operators Selling Illegal Designer Drugs. U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. https://web.archive.org/web/20091002091419/http://www.usdoj.gov:80/dea/pubs/pressrel/pr072204.html1
- Hill SL, & Thomas SH. (2013). 2-(4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]ethanamine (25I-NBOMe): clinical case with unique confirmatory testing. Clinical Toxicology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3951642/1
- (n.d.). 25I-NBOMe (2C-I-NBOMe): Fatalities / Deaths. http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/2ci_nbome/2ci_nbome_death.shtml1
- (October 9, 2012). Dangerous synthetic drug making its way across the country.. http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/indiana/dangerous-synthetic-drug-smiles-making-its-way-across-the-country1
- (n.d.). Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Schedule III. laws-lois.justice.gc.ca. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-38.8/page-17.html1
- (n.d.). Valtioneuvoston asetus huumausaineina pidettävistä aineista, valmisteista ja kasveista | 543/2008 | Lainsäädäntö | Finlex. https://finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/2008/5431
- (2019). Gesetz über den Verkehr mit Betäubungsmitteln: Anlage I. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/anlage_i.html1
- (n.d.). Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. gov.uk. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/controlled-drugs-list--2/list-of-most-commonly-encountered-drugs-currently-controlled-under-the-misuse-of-drugs-legislation1
- (n.d.). 21 CFR § 1308.11(d). ecfr.gov. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-II/part-1308/section-1308.111
Automated synthesisInformation aggregated and synthesized using an autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins.
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