Ganesha
Ganesha (3C-DFE, or 2,5-dimethoxy-3,4-dimethylamphetamine; also called 3C-G-3) is a psychedelic amphetamine of the DOx/3C family described by Alexander Shulgin in PiHKAL. It is notable for a long duration and an emotionally gentle, insightful character. Human data is limited to Shulgin's self-experiments and sparse anecdotal reports; there are no controlled studies.
01 Overview
Ganesha is the amphetamine homologue of 2C-G, carrying 3,4-dimethyl ring substitution. It is a 5-HT2A agonist with the high potency and long duration typical of DOx-type compounds, but Shulgin described it as unusually benign in tone, with a smooth emotional quality and comparatively modest visuals.
As with related compounds, human knowledge is confined to PiHKAL and a handful of user reports; there is no formal toxicology. Its long duration is a practical concern, since a misjudged dose can produce an extended experience, and the underlying DOx pharmacology carries the class-typical risk of vasoconstriction at higher doses.
02 Mechanism
Agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, the shared mechanism of classical psychedelics; the amphetamine backbone confers potency and long duration.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threshold | 15–20 mg | Oral | Onset of noticeable effects; sensitivity varies. |
| Common | 20–32 mg | Oral | Range reported in PiHKAL; not clinically validated. |
| Strong | 32–40 mg | Oral | Higher doses extend an already long duration; risk poorly characterised. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altered mood and cognitionSmooth, insightful emotional and cognitive shifts described by Shulgin and later users. | Anecdotal | ||
| Mild visual effectsComparatively subtle visual distortion relative to other DOx compounds. | mild | Anecdotal | |
| Long durationEffects reported to last many hours, characteristic of DOx-type compounds. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea and body loadGastrointestinal discomfort and body load reported during onset. | Mild | Common | Anecdotal | |
| Prolonged, difficult experienceThe long duration means an anxious or overwhelming experience can persist for many hours. | Moderate | Common with overdose | Anecdotal | |
| Peripheral vasoconstrictionCold, painful extremities from vasoconstriction, a class-typical DOx hazard at higher doses. | Severe | Uncommon at higher doses | Anecdotal |