HEMPEARTH – What is 2C-B ?

2C-B stands for 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine, a synthetic substance with psychedelic effects. 2C-B is a phenylethylamine derivative and has a similar structure to mescaline, another psychedelic Substance.

2C-B was created in the 1970s, after the golden era of the first psychedelic revolution in the 50s and 60s. 

2C-B was first synthesised by Alexander Shulgin in 1974 and his findings were reported in his 1991 book entitled PiHKAL. Following its discovery, there was some reported use of 2C-B by psychotherapists in the 1970s.

How does 2C-B work in the body and the brain?

it is suggested that 5-HT2 and α-adrenergic receptors are involved. The 5-HT2A receptor is associated with classical psychedelics, including LSD and psilocybin, whereby the drug binds and act as agonists. Some research suggests that 2C-B acts as a partial agonist at the 5-HT2A receptor. It has also been suggested that the 5-HT2C receptor may be involved in the response activated and that the α1-adrenergic receptor is responsible for the stimulant effects.

What makes 2C-B stand out compared to the other psychedelics?

The effects of 2C-B as a mix of psychedelic and entactogenic effects, classify it as a cross between LSD and MDMA.

2C-B creates interesting psychedelic effects because of its chemical structure and is classified as a phenethylamine, a chemical cousin to mescaline. 

Due to this, some effects include open-eye visuals with patterns and outlines of shapes moving and undulating throughout the trip, and giggling and laughing, which remind users of an LSD trip.

People can experience a mood lift and euphoria, with increased feelings of empathy, similar to MDMA. 

“Making it sometimes called the love child of LSD and MDMA.“

2C-B as Therapy

The potential therapeutic effects of 2C-B (as reported by Ann and Alexander Shulgin), along with the few available studies, suggest that it may have potential as a treatment for mental health disorders. 

It was reported that Alexander and Ann Shulgin used 2C-B to treat more than 200 individuals with anxiety, depression and suffering from PTSD and nightmares.

2C-B Dosing Guide

Shulgin describes 2C-B as one of the most potent psychedelics, and as such, users do not need to take a large amount. The effects vary greatly between a low dose (15 mg) and a very high dose (35 mg).

The following dosing guide was produced by using information compiled from the works of Alexander Shulgin, anecdotal sources and “PiHKAL.”

2C-B Dosing Guide

Shulgin cautions against taking anything more than 45 mg.

Although there are anecdotal reports of the effects of 2C-B, recent observational studies have provided valuable insight into the emotional and pharmacological effects of 2C-B. The effects of 2C-B are heavily dose-dependent and typically include:

• Enhanced mood and feelings of euphoria
• Laughter
• Visual and auditory alterations and hallucinations
• Enhanced energy
• Sexual arousal/enhanced libido.