2C-T-2
2C-T-2 is a synthetic psychedelic of the substituted phenethylamine class and a member of the 2C-x family1, derived from systematic modification of the mescaline molecule. First synthesized by Alexander Shulgin in 1981 and later described in his book PiHKAL2, it is one of his "magical half-dozen" — his self-rated most important phenethylamine compounds. 2C-T-2 is notably dose-sensitive and recognized for its strong visual effects and intense body load2.
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Onset can be slow, with some reports describing an hour or more before effects fully develop.
Duration
Subjective Effects
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
Cognitive
The head space of 2C-T-2 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-T-2 can be described as somewhat similar in appearance to that of ayahuasca, psilocin, and 4-AcO-DMT, with mystical and shamanic undertones which combine with synthetic digital undertones reminiscent of LSD or 2C-E. 2C-T-2's geometry can be comprehensively described as intricate in complexity, abstract in form, organic but somewhat synthetic in style, structured in organization, brightly lit and multicoloured in scheme, glossy in shading, rounded in edges, large in size, fast in speed, smooth in motion, mostly angular in corners, immersive in depth and consistent in intensity. The visuals have a contradictory 'natural' and 'synthetic' feel to them which is reminiscent of DOC or 2C-P. Higher dosages are more likely to result in states of Level 8B visual geometry, but may also lead into Level 8A visual geometry.
Hallucinatory States
2C-T-2 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-T-2 are more common in their occurrence than many more commonly used psychedelics.
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
2C-T-2 acts primarily as an agonist at serotonin 5-HT2 receptors, including the 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C subtypes.34 Partial agonist activity has been reported at the 5-HT2A receptor, and this activity is considered the most likely basis for its psychedelic effects.4 2C-T-2 has also been shown to act as a partial agonist at adrenergic receptors. Based on structural analogy with other alkylthio-substituted phenethylamines that act as selective MAO-A inhibitors, 2C-T-2 has been speculated to possess monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity, though this has not been experimentally confirmed.
Pharmacokinetics
A rat-urine GC/MS study tentatively assigned 14 2C-T-2 metabolites. Reported pathways included sulfoxidation, N-acetylation, O-demethylation, S-dealkylation followed by S-methylation, S-ethyl-side-chain hydroxylation, and deamination followed by reduction or oxidation; some products were partly glucuronidated or sulfated. These animal findings do not establish human metabolic proportions, elimination half-life, or route bioavailability.5
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, Other 5-HT2A agonists
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
Extremely Low2C-T-2 is not habit-forming and the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. It is most often self-regulating, though some individuals may use it more frequently than intended.
Physical
Extremely Low2C-T-2 is not physically addicting. Withdrawal effects following discontinuation have not been reported.
Toxicity
In vitro studies have demonstrated potential neurotoxicity to serotonergic and dopaminergic neurons, though the concentrations used (>50 μM) are unlikely to translate to recreational use of the compound.
Psychosis Risk
As with other serotonergic psychedelics, 2C-T-2 may trigger latent psychological and mental conditions in predisposed individuals. Those with a family history of schizophrenia or early onset mental illness should exercise extreme caution. Severe intoxication has been associated with intense hallucinations, agitation, aggression, violence, and dysphoria.6
Seizure Risk
Seizures have been reported as part of severe intoxication with 2C series drugs.6 Individuals with a seizure or convulsive disorder may be at higher risk when taking 2C-T-2.
History & Culture
Legality
International
2C-T-2 is not listed under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. It is listed in Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. It is not listed under the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- Lea Wagmann, Simon D. Brandt, Alexander Stratford, Hans H. Maurer, & Markus R. Meyer. (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
- Alexander Shulgin, & Ann Shulgin. (1991). PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story. Transform Press. https://erowid.org/library/books_online/pihkal/pihkal040.shtml12
- Amy J. Eshleman, Michael J. Forster, Katherine M. Wolfrum, Robert A. Johnson, Aaron Janowsky, & Michael B. Gatch. (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/s00213-013-3303-612
- Dino Luethi, Daniel Trachsel, Marius C. Hoener, & Matthias E. Liechti. (May 2018). Monoamine receptor interaction profiles of 4-thio-substituted phenethylamines (2C-T drugs). Neuropharmacology, 134(Pt A), 141–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.07.0121234
- New designer drug 2,5-dimethoxy-4-ethylthio-beta-phenethylamine (2C-T-2): studies on its metabolism and toxicological detection in rat urine using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Journal of Mass Spectrometry, 40(9), 1157–1172 (September 2005). https://doi.org/10.1002/jms.89012
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