Research chemicalResearch chemicalPsychedelicTryptamine

4-HO-MET (Metocin)

Also known as Metocin · Methylcybin · 4-hydroxy-N-methyl-N-ethyltryptamine

Written by enwyReviewed 4 Aug 20262 sources0 comments

4-HO-MET (4-hydroxy-N-methyl-N-ethyltryptamine, Metocin) is a synthetic psychedelic tryptamine structurally analogous to psilocin, first described by Alexander Shulgin. It is used non-medically for its visual and mood-altering effects. Human data are limited to self-reports; potency, duration, and safety are poorly characterised, and inter-individual dose sensitivity is wide.

01 Overview

4-HO-MET is a 4-hydroxylated tryptamine closely related to psilocin, the active metabolite of psilocybin. Users report a psychedelic experience with pronounced visual effects, emotional openness and a duration typically shorter than psilocybin. It gained circulation as a research chemical sold online where psilocybin mushrooms are controlled.

There are no controlled human pharmacokinetic or safety studies. Reported effects derive from user accounts (Shulgin's TiHKAL, harm-reduction reports and forums), so dose ranges are approximate and vary substantially between individuals. As with other serotonergic psychedelics, difficult psychological reactions (anxiety, confusion, transient psychosis-like states) are possible, particularly at higher doses or in vulnerable individuals.

02 Mechanism

Acts as an agonist/partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, the shared mechanism of classical psychedelics, with additional activity at other 5-HT subtypes.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Threshold	5–10 mg	Oral	Approximate, from user reports; individual sensitivity varies widely.
Common	10–20 mg	Oral	Onset ~20-45 min, duration ~4-6 h. Not clinically validated.
Strong	20–30 mg	Oral	Higher likelihood of overwhelming effects.

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Visual alterationOpen- and closed-eye visual patterning, colour enhancement and geometry reported by users.	dose-dependent	Anecdotal
Mood elevation / emotional opennessEuphoria and emotional warmth commonly reported at moderate doses.		Anecdotal
Altered cognition and time perceptionChanges in thought patterns and sense of time typical of serotonergic psychedelics.		Anecdotal

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence
NauseaGastrointestinal upset during onset is frequently reported.	Mild	Common	Anecdotal
Sympathomimetic effectsElevated heart rate, blood pressure and pupil dilation.	Mild	Common	Anecdotal
Anxiety and psychological distressAnxiety, confusion or panic, more likely at high doses or in unfavourable setting.	Moderate	Common at higher doses	Anecdotal

06 Legal status

United Kingdom

Class A (Psychoactive Substances Act / tryptamine controls)

Covered by tryptamine provisions; supply and production offences apply. · as of Jan 2026

United States

Not explicitly scheduled federally; may fall under the Federal Analogue Act if intended for human consumption. · as of Jan 2026

07 References

TiHKAL: The ContinuationShulgin & Shulgin, 1997

European Drug Report and new psychoactive substances monitoringEUDA (formerly EMCDDA)

08 Discussion0 comments

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This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.