2C-I

2C-I, also known as 4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine, is a psychedelic drug of the phenethylamine and 2C families. It is taken orally.
2C-I was first synthesized and described by Alexander Shulgin in 1977 and was described in further detail in his 1991 book PiHKAL. The drug is used recreationally. 2C-I is sometimes confused with other related psychedelic drugs such as 25I-NBOMe, nicknamed "Smiles" and "N-bomb" in the media.

Use and effects

According to Alexander Shulgin in his book PiHKAL, 2C-I has a dose range of 14 to 22mg orally and a duration of 6 to 10hours. Its onset is within 40minutes and peak effects occur after about 2hours. In addition to oral administration, 2C-I may also be insufflated. The effects of 2C-I have been reported to include color enhancement, psychedelic visuals, emotional enhancement, limited insights, increased energy, enhanced conversation and honesty, improved mood, and sensual immersion. The sensual effects of 2C-I were described as different from and possibly less than those of 2C-B.

Interactions

2C-I is metabolized by the monoamine oxidase enzymes MAO-A and MAO-B. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide, and selegiline may potentiate the effects of 2C-I. This may result in overdose and serious toxicity.

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

2C-I acts as a serotonin receptor agonist. It produces psychedelic effects via serotonin 5-HT_2A receptor activation.
It is inactive as a monoamine releasing agent and shows negligible activity as a monoamine reuptake inhibitor.
2C-I is a highly potent anti-inflammatory drug similarly to various other serotonergic psychedelics. However, 2C-I showed the highest anti-inflammatory potency of any other assessed drug in a large series in one study. It was more potent than (R)-DOI in terms of anti-inflammatory activity.

Chemistry

Synthesis

The chemical synthesis of 2C-I has been described.

Analogues

Analogues of 2C-I include 2C-H, 2C-B, 2C-C, DOI, 4C-I, and 25I-NBOMe, among others.

History

2C-I was first described in the scientific literature by Alexander Shulgin and colleagues in 1977. Its properties and effects in humans were described by Shulgin in 1978. The drug was subsequently described in greater detail by Shulgin in his 1991 book PiHKAL. In the early 2000s, 2C-I was sold in Dutch smart shops as a recreational drug after the related drug 2C-B was banned.

Society and culture

Legal status

Australia

2C-I is a schedule 9 prohibited substance in Australia under the Poisons Standard. A schedule 9 drug is outlined in the Poisons Act 1964 as "Substances which may be abused or misused, the manufacture, possession, sale or use of which should be prohibited by law except when required for medical or scientific research, or for analytical, teaching or training purposes with approval of the CEO".

Canada

As of October 31, 2016, 2C-I is a controlled substance in Canada.

European Union

In December 2003, the European Council issued a binding order compelling all European Union member states to ban 2C-I within three months.

Finland

Illegal: scheduled in the "government decree on substances, preparations and plants considered to be narcotic drugs".

Sweden

Sveriges riksdag added 2C-I to schedule I as a narcotic on March 16, 2004, published by the Medical Products Agency in their regulation LVFS 2004:3.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, 2C-I is controlled as a Class A substance.

United States

As of July 9, 2012, in the United States 2C-I is a Schedule I substance under the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012, making possession, distribution and manufacture illegal. A previous bill, introduced in March 2011, that would have done the same passed the House of Representatives, but was not passed by the Senate.