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2,5-Dimethoxyphenethylamine (also known as 2C-H) is a lesser-known psychoactive substance of the phenethylamine class. 2C-H belongs to the 2C-x family of substituted phenethylamines. However, it does not have any significant psychedelic properties and is primarily used as a precursor in the synthesis of other phenethylamines such as 2C-B, 2C-I, and 2C-N.
WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section.
DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.
In PiHKAL, Shulgin lists both the dosage and duration as unknown, commenting that 2C-H is likely easily broken down by MAO enzymes in the liver and is thus probably inactive. However, there have since been some anecdotal reports that suggest it may be active when taken sublingually.[2] It is theorized to be orally active if taken in combination with a MAOI. However, it is unknown whether this would result in typical 2C-x psychedelic effects.
Very little data exists about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of 2C-H. It is highly advised to use harm reduction practices when using this substance.
2C-H, or 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine, is a substituted phenethylamine featuring a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH2) group through an ethyl chain. 2C-H contains methoxy functional groups CH3O- attached to carbons R2 and R5 as well as a hydrogen atom attached to carbon R4 of the phenyl ring. 2C-H belongs to the 2C family of phenethylamines which contain methoxy groups on the 2 and 5 positions of the benzene ring, and is also their simplest member. It is commonly used as a precursor to other compounds of the 2C family, including 2C-B, 2C-C, 2C-I, and 2C-N.
Pharmacology
There is no record of 2C-H trials in humans, as it would likely be destroyed by monoamine oxidase enzymes before causing any significant psychoactive effects.[3] Very little data exists about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of 2C-H. However, it has been shown to have binding affinity towards 5-HT2C and 5-HT2Areceptors in rats.[4] 2C-H has been shown to inhibit MAO-B activity by over 50% in experiments.[5]
The effects of 2C-H are reportedly inactive. Taking higher dosages could produce primarily stimulating in addition to empathogenic or hallucinogenic effects, in a fashion similar to those of its predecessor substance, phenethylamine.
There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index. Additional experience reports can be found here:
The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational 2C-H use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dose is unknown. This is because 2C-H is a research chemical with very little history of human usage.
Anecdotal reports from those who have tried 2C-H suggests that there are no negative health effects attributed to simply trying the substance by itself at low to moderate doses and using it very sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed). Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption.
It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices, such as volumetric dosing, when using this substance so as to ensure the accurate administration of the intended dose.
Tolerance and addiction potential
Although no formal studies have been conducted, it is not unreasonable to assume that as is the case with psychedelics in general, 2C-H is not habit-forming and that the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. However, it's stimulating properties do provide a possible risk of addiction which would be associated with other stimulants.
Tolerance to the effects of 2C-H is built almost immediately after ingestion. After that, it takes about 3-5 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 7-10 days to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). 2C-H may present cross-tolerance, although unlikely, with [[Cross-tolerance::all psychedelics]], meaning that after the consumption of 2C-H all psychedelics will have a reduced effect. It may also produce tolerance to stimulants as well.
Dangerous interactions
Warning:Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).
Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.
[[Wikipedia:Lithium_(medication)|DangerousInteraction::Lithium]] - Lithium is commonly prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder. There is a large body of anecdotal evidence that suggests taking it with psychedelics significantly increases the risk of psychosis and seizures. As a result, this combination is strictly discouraged.
"[[UncertainInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Cannabis may have an unexpectedly strong and unpredictable synergy with the effects of 2C-H. Caution is advised with this combination as it can significantly increase the risk of adverse psychological reactions like anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and psychosis. Users are advised to start off with only a fraction of their normal cannabis dose and take long breaks between hits to avoid unintentional overdose.
"[[UnsafeInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Tramadol is well-documented to lower the seizure threshold[6] and psychedelics may act to trigger seizures in susceptible individuals.[citation needed]
Legal status
Austria: 2C-H is illegal to possess, produce and sell under the NPSG (Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Gesetz Österreich). In its Schedule II, the further specifying NPSV (Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Verordnung Österreich) explicitly bans all substituted phenetylamines.[7]
Canada: As of October 31st, 2016, 2C-H is a controlled substance (Schedule III) in Canada, and is thus illegal to possess, produce and sell.[8]
Germany: 2C-H is controlled under the NpSG[9] (New Psychoactive Substances Act) as of November 26, 2016.[10] Production and import with the aim to place it on the market, administration to another person, placing it on the market and trading is punishable. Possession is illegal but not punishable.[11][12] The legislator considers it possible that orders of 2C-H are punishable as an incitement to place it on the market.[13]
Sweden: 2C-H is classified as a hazardous substance.
Switzerland: 2C-H can be considered a controlled substance as a defined derivative of Phenethylamine under Verzeichnis E point 130. It is legal when used for scientific or industrial use.[14]
Turkey: 2C-H is a classed as drug and is illegal to possess, produce, supply, or import.[15][16]
United Kingdom: 2C-H is a Class A drug in the United Kingdom as a result of the phenethylamine catch-all clause.[17]
United States: As of July 9, 2012, 2C-H is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, under the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012.[18][19]
↑Wagmann, Lea; Brandt, Simon D.; Stratford, Alexander; Maurer, Hans H.; Meyer, Markus R. (2019). "Interactions of phenethylamine-derived psychoactive substances of the 2C-series with human monoamine oxidases". Drug Testing and Analysis. 11 (2): 318–324. doi:10.1002/dta.2494. eISSN1942-7611. ISSN1942-7603. OCLC231680670. PMID30188017.
↑Talaie, H.; Panahandeh, R.; Fayaznouri, M. R.; Asadi, Z.; Abdollahi, M. (2009). "Dose-independent occurrence of seizure with tramadol". Journal of Medical Toxicology. 5 (2): 63–67. doi:10.1007/BF03161089. ISSN1556-9039.
↑"Bakanlar Kurulu Kararı - Karar Sayısı : 2013/5742" (in Türkçe). Başbakanlık Mevzuatı Geliştirme ve Yayın Genel Müdürlüğü [General Directorate of Legislation Development and Publication] (published January 25, 2014). December 16, 2013.
↑"Kararnamenin Eki: Liste"(PDF). Resmî Gazete, Sayı: 28893 (in Türkçe). Başbakanlık Mevzuatı Geliştirme ve Yayın Genel Müdürlüğü [General Directorate of Legislation Development and Publication] (published January 25, 2014). December 16, 2013. 2013/5742.
