3-CEC
3-CEC (3-chloroethcathinone) is the meta-chloro positional isomer of 4-CEC, a synthetic cathinone stimulant sold as a research chemical. It is very poorly characterised, known mainly from forensic seizures.
01 Overview
3-CEC is a ring-chlorinated, N-ethyl cathinone differing from 4-CEC only in the position of the chlorine on the aromatic ring. Like other meta-substituted cathinones it is reported to lean stimulant, with users describing a short, functional but unremarkable effect.
No controlled human data exist. The compound is documented through seized-material analysis and vendor sampling, and has been scheduled in various jurisdictions under generic or new psychoactive substances legislation.
02 Mechanism
Presumed monoamine releaser/reuptake inhibitor with a stimulant-weighted profile; meta-chloro substitution is generally associated with more stimulant, less serotonergic activity than the para isomer.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 30–80 mg | Insufflated | Harsh; faster onset. |
| Light | 40–80 mg | Oral | Anecdotal only. |
| Common | 80–160 mg | Oral | User-reported range. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| StimulationEnergy and wakefulness with a stimulant emphasis. | Anecdotal | ||
| Increased focusShort-lived heightened attention reported by some users. | Anecdotal | ||
| Increased sociabilityTalkativeness and disinhibition. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsive redosingShort duration and weak euphoria drive repeated dosing. | Moderate | Common | Anecdotal | |
| ComedownAnxiety, fatigue and insomnia afterward. | Moderate | Near-universal | Anecdotal | |
| Cardiovascular strainTachycardia, hypertension and palpitations. | Severe | Common | Observational | |
| Unknown neurotoxicityLong-term neurotoxic potential unstudied. | Severe | Unknown | Unconfirmed |