2C-D
2C-D is a psychedelic phenethylamine of the 2C family, the 4-methyl analogue. It is relatively mild and short by 2C standards, with a reputation as a gentle, cognitive psychedelic sometimes described as a potential learning tool at low doses.
01 Overview
2C-D (2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenethylamine) is one of the simpler 2C compounds. Its effects are reported as comparatively subtle and clear-headed, with modest visuals and a strong dose-dependence: low doses are near-nootropic while higher doses are fully psychedelic. Duration is around 4-6 hours, shorter than the scalines.
Human evidence is anecdotal, though 2C-D has some history of investigational use. It is notably dose-sensitive, with a narrow window between mild and strong effects.
02 Mechanism
Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist (with 5-HT2C activity), producing dose-dependent psychedelic effects.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threshold | 5–10 mg | Oral | |
| Light | 10–20 mg | Oral | Reported as sub-psychedelic / cognitive. |
| Common | 20–40 mg | Oral | PiHKAL range. |
| Strong | 40–60 mg | Oral |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear-headed cognitive shiftSubtle mental effects at low doses with relatively little disorientation. | Anecdotal | ||
| Mild visual enhancementModest colour and pattern effects, stronger at higher doses. | Anecdotal | ||
| Moderate durationShorter than the scalines. | 4-6 h | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NauseaOnset queasiness. | Mild | Common | Anecdotal | |
| AnxietyAnxiety at higher doses. | Mild | Uncommon | Anecdotal | |
| Dose-sensitivity / unexpected intensitySmall dose increases can move the experience from mild to strongly psychedelic. | Moderate | Dose-dependent | Anecdotal |