2C-P
2C-P (2,5-dimethoxy-4-propylphenethylamine) is a synthetic psychedelic of the phenethylamine class and a member of the 2C-x family.1 First synthesized by Alexander Shulgin in 1974 and documented in PiHKAL,1 it stands out as one of the most potent and longest-lasting compounds in its series, with effects spanning 10-20 hours.1 2C-P is notably dose-sensitive with a narrow margin between adequate and excessive doses, and is associated with intense body load including nausea and muscle tension. Volumetric dosing is strongly recommended due to its potency.
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
2C-P has a steep dose-response curve, with only a few milligrams separating a manageable dose from an overdose. Accurate milligram scales or volumetric liquid dosing are advised over visual estimation. Because of the slow onset, redosing earlier than 3 hours is discouraged, and increments above a previously evaluated dose should be small. A 16 mg dose has been described as a clear overdose with physical consequences.
Duration
Subjective Effects
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
Cognitive
The head space of 2C-P is described by many as one which is both insightful and relatively normal in its thought processes even at moderate to high dosages.
Visual
Geometry
The visual geometry of 2C-P can be described as more similar in appearance to that of 4-AcO-DMT or ayahuasca than that of LSD, 2C-B, or 2C-I. They can be comprehensively described as structured in their organization, organic in geometric style, intricate in complexity, large in size, fast and smooth in motion, colourful in scheme, glossy in colour, sharp in their edges and equally rounded and angular in their corners. They give off a contradictory natural and synthetic feel that at higher dosages are significantly more likely to result in states of Level 7B visual geometry over Level 7A. The visual geometry is distinct from 2C-E, psilocin and ayahuasca and can be described as faster moving and more intense in proportion to the present cognitive and physical effects than 2C-E.
Hallucinatory States
2C-P produces a full range of high level hallucinatory states in a fashion that is more consistent and reproducible than that of many other commonly used psychedelics, particularly in comparison to other substances within the phenethylamine family.
Auditory
The auditory effects of 2C-P are more common in their occurrence than many commonly used psychedelics.
Reagent Testing
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Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
2C-P acts as an agonist at serotonin 5-HT2 receptors, which is believed to underlie its psychedelic effects.21 It also binds to the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor with approximately 14-fold lower affinity than for the 5-HT2A receptor.2 The substance shows high affinity for the rat trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) and lower but still high affinity for mouse TAAR1.3 Unlike many other psychedelics, 2C-P has demonstrated reinforcing effects in rodents, producing dose-dependent conditioned place preference in mice and self-administration in rats.4 This appears to involve decreased dopamine transporter expression and increased DAT phosphorylation in the nucleus accumbens, which may result in reduced dopamine reuptake and increased extracellular dopamine levels through reverse transport.4 The substance shows little or no affinity for monoamine transporters and only weakly inhibits monoamine oxidases.25
Pharmacokinetics
2C-P is metabolized by the monoamine oxidase enzymes MAO-A and MAO-B.61 The substance has an anecdotally estimated elimination half-life of approximately 19 hours, contributing to its notably long duration of action.7
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 psychedelics
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
Extremely Low2C-P is not known to be associated with compulsive use. As a serotonergic psychedelic, it is considered to have a low potential for abuse. Users report a self-regulating quality to the experience.
Physical
Extremely LowPhysical dependence is extremely unlikely. 2C-P does not appear to be physically addictive.8
Toxicity
2C-P has been found to produce neurotoxicity at high doses in rodent studies4; relevance to typical human recreational doses is not established.
Psychosis Risk
2C-P can produce severe mental confusion, disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, fear, paranoia, and overwhelming thoughts, particularly at higher doses.1 The steep dose-response curve increases the risk of experiencing these adverse psychological reactions.
History & Culture
Synthesis and Documentation
2C-P was first synthesized by American chemist Alexander Shulgin in 1974. The compound was subsequently documented in Shulgin's 1991 book PiHKAL (Phenethylamines I Have Known and Loved), where he detailed his findings on its psychoactive properties. Published qualitative reports characterize the…
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Legality
International
1961 Single Convention: 2C-P is not individually scheduled.
1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances: 2C-P is not individually scheduled.
1988 Convention: 2C-P 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-x1234567
- (December 2015). Receptor interaction profiles of novel N-2-methoxybenzyl (NBOMe) derivatives of 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted phenethylamines (2C drugs). Neuropharmacology, 99, 546–553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.08.034123
- (April 2016). In Vitro Characterization of Psychoactive Substances at Rat, Mouse, and Human Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 357(1), 134–144. https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.115.2297651
- (April 2021). New designer phenethylamines 2C-C and 2C-P have abuse potential and induce neurotoxicity in rodents. Archives of Toxicology, 95(4), 1413–1429. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-021-02980-x12345
- (February 2019). Interactions of phenethylamine-derived psychoactive substances of the 2C-series with human monoamine oxidases. Drug Testing and Analysis, 11(2), 318–324. https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.24941
- (January 2007). Identification of monoamine oxidase and cytochrome P450 isoenzymes involved in the deamination of phenethylamine-derived designer drugs (2C-series). Biochemical Pharmacology, 73(2), 287–297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2006.09.0221
- Stoller A, Dolder PC, Bodmer M, Hammann F, Rentsch KM, Exadaktylos AK, Liechti ME, & Liakoni E. (2017). Mistaking 2C-P for 2C-B: What a Difference a Letter Makes. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 41(1), 77-79. https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/bkw1161
- (June 2025). Toxicodynamic insights of 2C and NBOMe drugs - Is there abuse potential?. Toxicology Reports, 14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2025.10189012
- (2015). Report of five cases of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-(n)-propylphenethylamine (2C-P) intoxication following recreational use. Toxicology Reports. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S235200781500030X1
- (2013-09-24). Overdoses Shut Down Conn. Amusement Park Concert. NBC Connecticut. https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/several-overdose-at-amusement-park-concert/2044213/12
- (2013-09-22). Concert at Quassy Ends with Four Hospitalized, Police Say. Patch (Woodbury/Middlebury CT). https://patch.com/connecticut/woodbury-middlebury/concert-at-quassy-ends-with-four-hospitalized-police-say1
- (2020-08-18). Rapper has manslaughter conviction overturned after drugs death of girlfriend at festival. LBC. https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/uk/rapper-has-manslaughter-conviction-overturned-after-drugs-death-of-girlfriend-at/12
- (2020-08-18). Ceon Broughton Bestival Manslaughter Conviction Quashed. Vice. https://www.vice.com/en/article/ceon-broughton-bestival-manslaughter-quashed/1
- (2020-08-18). Rapper Ceon Broughton wins appeal against manslaughter conviction following festival death of Louella Fletcher-Michie. Garden Court Chambers. https://gardencourtchambers.co.uk/rapper-ceon-broughton-wins-appeal-against-manslaughter-conviction-following-festival-death-of-louella-fletcher-michie/1
- (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
- (2014). Government Decree on Psychoactive Substances Banned from the Consumer Market (1130/2014). Finlex, Finland Ministry of Justice. https://www.finlex.fi/en/legislation/2014/11301
- (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
Further Reading
Automated synthesisInformation aggregated and synthesized using an autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins.
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