2C-T
2C-T is a lesser-known psychedelic of the substituted phenethylamine class and a member of the 2C-x family, which are closely related to mescaline. It was first described in the scientific literature by David E. Nichols and Alexander Shulgin in 1976,citation needed with further detail published in Shulgin's 1991 book PiHKAL. Among the 2C psychedelics, 2C-T is notable for its relatively low potency and comparatively short duration of effects.1
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
Duration
Subjective Effects
Legacy content. A statistically backed ontology from Mindstate Design Labs is coming soon.
2C-T produces a rapid but quiet onset, with effects noticeable within roughly fifteen minutes and developing without dramatic intensity. The experience is unusual among psychedelics in that it feels distinctly psychedelic while producing little to nothing in the way of visual effects; instead it centers on tactile warmth, easy conversation, and an MDMA-like sense of emotional openness, leading some to consider it a possible MDMA substitute. The character has been described as somewhat generic and sharper-edged than 2C-B, with a total duration of roughly five to six hours and a notably relaxed comedown that can pass into deep, dream-filled sleep.
Physical
The body feeling is generally warm and pleasant, with a very relaxed offset. Stomach discomfort or uncertainty can occur, particularly during the come-up.
Cognitive
The headspace combines conversational ease and a sense of things feeling opened up with a consistently reported emotional removal, in which the intellect tends to be more evident than the heart. Some users describe a subtle, transparent sense of separation from their surroundings, and appreciation of poetry may be increased.
Emotional
Tactile
See also: Psychedelic Intensity Scale, Effects of psychedelics (visual, cognitive, miscellaneous)
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
2C-T acts as an agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptors, with its psychedelic effects primarily attributed to 5-HT2A receptor activity.citation needed It has also been characterized as a partial agonist at 5-HT2A.2 The compound shows broader affinity for the 5-HT2 receptor family but does not appear to bind monoamine transporters.citation needed Based on structural similarity to related 2C-T-x compounds, 2C-T may possess some monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) activity, though this has not been directly established.
Pharmacokinetics
There have been no studies on the pharmacokinetics of 2C-T and the metabolism of 2C-T is unknown.
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
Tolerance timelines are rules of thumb, not exact schedules, and vary widely between individuals and use patterns.
Serotonergic psychedelics
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
Extremely Low2C-T is not habit-formingcitation needed. With repeated use, the urge to take it may lessen, and use is typically self-limiting.
History & Culture
2C-T emerged from collaborative research between pharmacologist David E. Nichols and chemist Alexander Shulgin, with the compound first appearing in scientific literature in 1976.citation needed The substance was subsequently documented in greater detail in Shulgin's 1991 book PiHKAL…
Legality
By Country
United StatesRestricted
References
Source Pages
Citations
- Shulgin A. (1991). PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story. Transform Press. https://erowid.org/library/books_online/pihkal/pihkal039.shtml1234
- Dino Luethi, Daniel Trachsel, Marius C. Hoener, & Matthias E. Liechti. (2018). Monoamine receptor interaction profiles of 4-thio-substituted phenethylamines (2C-T drugs). Neuropharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.07.0121
- Controlled Drugs and Substances Act — Schedule III, Item 35 (2C-phenethylamines). Justice Laws Website (n.d.). https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-38.8/page-11.html12
- Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 — Schedule 2, Part I (Class A drugs). legislation.gov.uk (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/38/schedule/2/part/I12
- NIH PubChem compound properties for 2C-T. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (n.d.). https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug/compound/name/2C-T/property/IUPACName,CanonicalSMILES,IsomericSMILES,MolecularFormula/JSON1
- 2026 Florida Statutes § 893.03, Standards and schedules. flsenate.gov (n.d.). https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/893.031
- Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-405, Controlled substances; schedules; enumerated. nebraskalegislature.gov (n.d.). https://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?print=true&statute=28-4051
- 21 U.S.C. § 812, Schedules of controlled substances. uscode.house.gov (n.d.). https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?edition=prelim&num=0&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title21-section8121
- eCFR API, Title 21 Part 1308, version dated August 20, 2026. ecfr.gov (n.d.). https://www.ecfr.gov/api/versioner/v1/full/2026-08-20/title-21.xml?part=13081
- DEA Diversion Control Division, Controlled Substance Schedules. deadiversion.usdoj.gov (n.d.). https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/schedules.html1
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Recent changes8 human edits · latest
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24 January 2026
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
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