2C-T-7

2C-T-7
Type	Psychedelic
Indications	No approved medical use
Related	2C-T-2; 2C-B; mescaline
Legal status	Schedule I (US); Class A (UK); controlled in many EU countries
Class	Phenethylamine psychedelic (2C family; thioether "sulfur tail")
Mechanism	5-HT2A/2C agonist; possible 5-HT1A activity
Notable risks	Cardiovascular strain (vasoconstriction, hypertension); hyperthermia; serotonin toxicity with MAOIs/MDMA
Wikidata	Q222010

2C-T-7 (also known as Blue Mystic or “7th Heaven”) is a synthetic psychedelic of the 2C family of phenethylamines. It was first synthesized by chemist Alexander Shulgin (around 1986) and published in his book PiHKAL. In practical terms, 2C-T-7 produces long-lasting hallucinogenic effects along with feelings of warmth, empathy, and emotional openness (so-called empathogenic or entactogenic qualities). Its structure is 2,5-dimethoxy-4-(propylsulfanyl)phenethylamine – essentially a phenethylamine core with two methoxy groups on the benzene ring and a three-carbon (propyl) thioether “tail” at the 4-position. Typical oral doses are in the range of 10–30 milligrams, leading to effects that usually last 8–15 hours. Due to a series of overdoses and fatalities in the early 2000s, 2C-T-7 is now a controlled substance in many countries (often Schedule I).

Definition and Scope

Molecular structure of 2C-T-7. The molecule is a substituted phenethylamine: it has a benzene ring (with two methoxy –OCH₃ groups at positions 2 and 5) connected to a two-carbon ethylamine chain, plus a three-carbon propylsulfanyl (“sulfur”) group at the 4-position. The “2C” name refers to the two-carbon chain in the phenethylamine backbone. In drug terminology, 2C-T-7 is classified as a psychedelic phenethylamine. Phenethylamines are organic compounds with a structure based on a benzene ring bonded to an ethylamine (two-carbon + amine) group – a backbone shared by many psychoactive substances (for example, MDMA and mescaline). The 2C series in particular refers to a subset of phenethylamines where the benzene ring has methoxy groups at the 2 and 5 positions. The suffix “T” in 2C-T-7 stands for thioether (chemical term for an –S– linkage). In 2C-T-7, the 4-position on the ring has a propylsulfanyl group (–S–C₃H₇), giving it a distinctive “sulfur tail.” In effect, 2C-T-7 can be seen as a sulfur analog of 2C-B (which has a bromine at the 4-position) or a homolog of 2C-T-2 (which has an ethylthio instead of propylthio).

Because of these features, 2C-T-7 acts on the brain much like other classical psychedelics. It is chemically similar to compounds such as mescaline (a natural hallucinogen) and other 2C drugs. In simple terms, one can define it as a psychedelic hallucinogen that also produces notable entactogenic effects (feelings of connection and empathy). The term empathogenic or entactogenic refers to this emotional warmth – a feature that, combined with visuals, makes 2C-T-7 somewhat unique among psychedelics. (Strictly speaking, these compounds bind to serotonin receptors in the brain, but in everyday language we say they alter perception, mood, and cognition.)

Historical Context and Evolution

2C-T-7 was first synthesized and tested by Alexander and Ann Shulgin, famous for exploring many novel psychoactives. The Shulgins reported it to be a potent, generally pleasurable psychedelic. In fact, Shulgin noted in 1986 that, if all phenethylamines were to be ranked by their “intrinsic richness,” 2C-T-7 would rank near the top. The compound was published in PiHKAL in 1991, which described its synthesis and subjective effects. For many years thereafter it was mainly of interest to chemists and psychonauts (user experimenters).

Commercially, 2C-T-7 did not emerge until the late 1990s. In 1999 it first appeared in Dutch “smart shops” (retailers selling legal highs) in tablet and powder form, where it was given the street name “Blue Mystic.” By around 2000 it had also spread onto the U.S. underground market as somewhat of a novelty. Users noted it had mescaline-like qualities: bright visuals, a sense of warmth, and deep introspection. Resellers sometimes called it “7-Up,” “Tripstasy,” or simply “2C-T-7,” marketing it as a mild legal hallucinogen.

However, several incidents in 2000–2002 sharply changed its trajectory. In October 2000, for example, a 20-year-old man in Oklahoma died after insufflating (snorting) about 35 mg of 2C-T-7 – roughly twice the often-quoted upper range – which caused severe convulsions. Shortly thereafter a Seattle concertgoer died after combining 2C-T-7 with MDMA; the precise role of 2C-T-7 was unclear, but the case received media attention. By 2002 there were multiple reports of hospitalizations, panic attacks, and the few fatalities at raves and parties involving 2C-T-7. These events sparked major law enforcement action. The U.S. government launched “Operation Web Tryp”, targeting online vendors of 2C-class compounds, and on September 20, 2002 the U.S. DEA issued an emergency rule placing 2C-T-7 into Schedule I (prohibited category). This scheduling was made permanent in 2004. Similarly, Sweden had already banned it as early as 1999 under drug precursor laws, and many other countries soon classified 2C-T-7 as illegal. In Canada it was specifically scheduled in 2016.

Today, 2C-T-7 has fallen largely into obscurity. It never became widespread (partly because it is not easy to make in quantity), and by the mid-2000s it was essentially replaced by other designer drugs. Its main appearances now are retrospective: citations in historical reports and legal documents, or as a cautionary example in harm-reduction materials.

Core Mechanisms and Pharmacology

Like other classic psychedelics, 2C-T-7 is believed to work primarily by activating serotonin receptors in the brain – especially the 5-HT₂A receptor. (In simple terms, it binds to the same receptor sites as LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline.) This receptor is known to produce changes in sensory processing and cognition when stimulated. Animal tests support this: in mice, 2C-T-7 reliably produces the “head-twitch” reflex that is characteristic of 5-HT₂A agonists, and in rats trained to recognize LSD-like drugs, 2C-T-7 produces similar responses to drugs like DOM. In other words, lab studies confirm that 2C-T-7 mimics classic hallucinogens.

The detailed pathway of its action is not fully mapped (common for illicit drugs), but user effects give clues. People often report a strong enhancement of colors, geometric visuals, spatial distortions, and altered thought patterns. There are also subjective effects not present in all psychedelics: for instance, many users describe a pronounced fatiguing or “body load” component (muscle tension, tremors, nausea) and powerful emotional effects (a sense of love or connection). Part of this may be explained by its chemistry: the propylthio tail makes the molecule fairly large and fat-soluble, which tends to slow its onset and prolong its duration. Indeed, 2C-T-7’s effects come on gradually, peak around 3–6 hours, and can linger into the second day at higher doses. Pharmacologically, this suggests it takes longer to break down and leaves active metabolites in the body.

On that note, metabolic studies (in rats) have shown that 2C-T-7 undergoes several transformations in the liver. The propylthio group is commonly oxidized (turning into a sulfoxide or sulfone), and the terminal end of that chain can be hydroxylated. Meanwhile, the amine group can be removed (deamination) to produce an indole derivative, or acetylated. One published toxicology report found major metabolites in rat urine such as the oxidized propyl chain and the N-acetylated amine. These reactions are similar to those of other phenethylamines, but the sulfur atom provides unique steps (sulfoxidation). In practical terms, the metabolites are usually inactive or only weakly active, but they do lengthen the overall clearance time.

Another aspect of its pharmacology is debated: some chemists note that related 2C compounds can weakly inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes. Since MAO inhibitors (like certain antidepressants) can dramatically amplify serotonin activity, this raised concern that 2C-T-7 might carry a hidden risk of serotonin syndrome. However, no definitive study has confirmed significant MAO inhibition by 2C-T-7 in humans. The consensus is that any MAO effect is likely minor compared to its primary 5-HT₂A activity, but it underlines a general warning against mixing 2C-T-7 with other drugs (especially stimulants or MAO-inhibiting substances).

In summary, 2C-T-7’s core mechanism is the classic psychedelic pathway (serotonin receptor agonism), which accounts for its visual hallucinations and altered thinking. The “warm/empathogenic qualities” noted by users probably come from a combination of serotonin action plus the drug’s pronounced bodily and emotional impact, which is stronger than in some other 2C drugs. It is neither a stimulant (like amphetamines) nor a dissociative (like ketamine); its profile is closest to mescaline or 2C-B but with its own character.

Effects and Case Studies

Subjectively, 2C-T-7 is known for intense, extended trips. In the normal dose range (10–30 mg oral), users report vivid visuals (patterns, morphing objects, enhanced colors) and profound introspection. The experience often includes a physical component: muscle tension or tremors, changes in body temperature, and sometimes stomach discomfort. Emotionally, many describe a sense of empathy, connectedness, or euphoria akin to MDMA-like entactogenic effects, though this can turn to anxiety at higher doses. The “headspace” (mental state) is usually clear and lucid – people seldom report losing identity or “ego death” as with very high doses of LSD; rather, 2C-T-7 tends to allow the user to maintain conversation and focus during the trip. Some accounts liken it to a combination of mescaline and MDMA: hallucinogenic visuals with a gentle "love-enhancing" quality.

However, the range of experiences is broad. A substantial minority of users have reported purely unpleasant or even frightening trips, especially when the dose is too high. Overdose symptoms include panic, paranoia, involuntary muscle spasms, profuse sweating, and vomiting. There is evidence that even a small increase above 30–40 mg can drastically worsen side effects. Because the drug is long-lasting, a bad experience can be extremely draining and difficult to terminate once it begins. Accordingly, harm-reduction advice strongly stresses starting at a low dose (some recommend under 15 mg) and waiting several hours before taking any more. Tolerance builds quickly: if a person takes repeated doses over a day or two, the effects diminish markedly.

A number of documented incidents illustrate these points. For instance, the 2000 case mentioned above (35 mg by insufflation) was fatal: the individual experienced rapidly escalating seizures and respiratory failure. Other hospitalizations occurred when people “stacked” 2C-T-7 with other substances. In 2001 a man combined a moderate oral dose of 2C-T-7 with 200 mg of MDMA at a club; he collapsed and later died of kidney failure. It’s not certain whether 2C-T-7 alone or its interaction with MDMA caused the fatal outcome, but investigators flagged the combination as highly dangerous. Another young man snorted around 30–35 mg and, within a few hours, suffered intractable shaking and died after also using nitrous oxide. In each case, bystanders noted that the user looked extremely agitated and unwell. These tragic cases, though rare relative to the number of users, drove home the message that 2C-T-7 has a low margin of safety.

In contrast, there are also many anecdotal reports of successful, even therapeutic-seeming experiences on 2C-T-7. Some users say the drug allowed them to revisit emotional memories or gain insights, similar to peyote or psilocybin sessions. A few volunteer-based surveys (for example, an informal study of 48 users published in a psychedelic research bulletin) found that most subjects reported significant sensory enhancement, mild euphoria, and introspection, with panic reactions being relatively uncommon in that self-selecting group. This suggests that for those who dose carefully and are prepared, 2C-T-7 can indeed produce positive, meaningful experiences.

One noteworthy point is that 2C-T-7 never became a widely used street drug on the scale of, say, ecstasy or LSD. By the time it reached some market presence (around 1999–2000), it had already earned a reputation (fair or not) for difficulty of use and risk. A 2002 Rolling Stone article labeled it a new “killer drug,” which brought mass attention but possibly deterred casual use. Unlike MDMA, 2C-T-7 was sold more cautiously, often in small batches or via niche websites. In practice, users tended to treat it as a research chemical for serious exploration rather than a party drug.

Methods of Study

Formal scientific research on 2C-T-7 is very limited, largely because it was already banned by the time its popularity peaked. Only a handful of peer-reviewed studies exist. Alexander Shulgin himself published an early report in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs in 1993 describing the synthesis and his own bioassay. A couple of small animal studies followed: one in 1995 tested its effects in rats and mice (finding it gave LSD-like responses), and another in 2003 looked at its metabolism in rat urine (identifying the sulfoxide and other metabolites mentioned above). Beyond these, there are almost no clinical or pharmacological papers.

Much of the available “data” comes instead from human self-reports and surveys. The psychedelic community (MAPS, Erowid, PsychonautWiki, etc.) has collected personal accounts over the years. For example, an early article by a researcher named Cherie Hardison summarized 48 volunteer experiences in an amateur study. Another contributor (“Murple”) analyzed over 400 online trip reports by 2004, compiling common themes of the 2C-T-7 experience. These efforts are not controlled trials, but they helped map out dose ranges and effect profiles. They reinforced that 2C-T-7 is generally more physically intense and longer-lasting than many other psychedelics.

In terms of analytical chemistry, forensic laboratories have developed tests to identify 2C-T-7 in biological samples. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography techniques can detect the drug and its metabolites in blood or urine. These methods have been documented in toxicology case reports. Such studies confirm the metabolic pathways described above and help law enforcement in confirming ingestion.

Modern neurochemical methods (PET scans, receptor binding assays) have not been applied to 2C-T-7, to our knowledge. Ordered 5-HT receptor binding studies were done on many 2C compounds in the 1970s–1980s, but data on 2C-T-7 specifically seems absent from the open literature. Thus, most of what is known originates from related-substance inference and user histories.

Debates and Open Questions

Many questions about 2C-T-7 remain open due to the lack of formal research. One debate is the extent to which its reported empathogenic effects are intrinsic to the drug versus a product of set and setting. In other words, does 2C-T-7 chemically make people more affectionate, or do the users simply feel warm because they expect a “nice” drug? The partial agonist action at 5-HT₂A suggests that its core effect is as a classic hallucinogen, but its extended duration and social experiences (some users say they can talk easily during it) blur lines with entactogens. It’s possible that hormonal or neurochemical factors (unmeasured in any study) play a role.

Another discussion concerns safety guidelines. Because early reports emphasized strong effects, some harm-reduction groups argued that 2C-T-7 could be slightly safer per milligram than amphetamine-like stimulants (since it does not stress the heart acutely). Others pointed out that its high potency and vomiting side effect make it dangerous in a different way. The practice of insufflation (snorting) is widely considered dangerously unpredictable for 2C-T-7: even though snorting might give a shorter, more intense onset, the duration is still long and the risk of overdose much higher. Experts agree (and user consensus has shown) that 2C-T-7 should only be used by those well-prepared and informed.

Pharmacologically, there is speculation that 2C-T-7 might avoid the common tolerance build-up issue seen with LSD or MDMA if used in moderation. Users often report that after one dose, tolerance is high for 2–3 days but then drops back toward baseline, suggesting it could be repeated (unlike MDMA, which can cause weeks-long depletion). However, no study has confirmed the neurochemical basis of this. We simply don’t know if repeated 2C-T-7 use carries neurotoxicity risks beyond those documented anecdotally.

In legal and cultural terms, 2C-T-7 continues to surface in discussions about “research chemicals” and drug policy. One unresolved question is whether banning such substances at all is effective – after Operation Web Tryp, new chemicals (often slightly tweaked) simply replaced old ones. Some harm-reduction advocates argue for controlled sales under guidance (as has been done experimentally in the Netherlands); others stress that the rarity of 2C-T-7 makes such nuance less urgent.

Overall, the scientific community views 2C-T-7 as an obscure substance of low priority. It is often mentioned in surveys of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and features in some recent books on designer drugs, but more as a historical footnote than a subject of active research. Key debates thus revolve around drug policy and the reliability of user-generated data, rather than pharmacology per se.

Significance and Applications

2C-T-7 has no approved medical or therapeutic use. Its significance is mostly as a case study in drug chemistry and culture. In chemistry, 2C-T-7 exemplifies how small structural changes (replacing a bromine with a propylthio group, and adding one carbon to the side chain) can dramatically alter a molecule’s character. This insight helps medicinal chemists understand structure-activity relationships: the 2C compounds were originally studied as analogs of mescaline to explore brain receptor interactions. 2C-T-7’s profile – long duration, strong empathic tint – suggests that bulkier thioethers slow metabolism and modify subjective effect. Thus it has academic interest in pharmacology textbooks or reviews on phenethylamines.

Culturally, 2C-T-7 holds a place in the story of late-1990s/early-2000s club drug trends and the early internet drug community. It was one of the first psychedelics to gain a following primarily through online discussion rather than local underground scenes. The media coverage of its adverse events contributed to the mythos of “the dangerous research chemical,” influencing public perception and policy. To some, it is a cautionary example of how a chemical with promising sensory effects can be misused and misunderstood.

On the other hand, it has been largely overtaken by more mainstream psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin, MDMA) in scientific and therapeutic contexts. As of now, there are no serious efforts to study 2C-T-7 for treatment of any condition (such as PTSD or depression) like there are for psilocybin or MDMA. This is likely because 2C-T-7’s risk profile and legal status make it unappealing to researchers. If anything, its story contributes to concerns about safety in the unregulated market – a field increasingly studied by social scientists and public health researchers, rather than lab pharmacologists.

In sum, 2C-T-7’s main legacy is as part of the broader class of 2C psychedelamines that intrigued chemists and psychonauts. While it is not a “breakthrough” drug in medicine or neuroscience, it remains of interest to those studying the history of psychedelics, drug law, and the fine line between euphoria and hazard in mind-altering substances.