This is an ode to the magic of this wonderful compound, compare/contrast vs. mdma with a bit of usage advice.

I've been a fan of party drugs since the 90s, think mushies and weed are 2 of nature's greatest gifts yet I have to say this wonderful creation of the Shulgins' is up there. It is inspired by Mescaline and is the almost perfect drug for enhancing an intense sensory experience.

It's quite energising, so you'll want to move. It is a brilliant alternative to mdma/ecstasy but it is not really comparable to it beyond a general sense of seratonin induced feel-good. Mdma is like an emotional bulldozer; dumping your entire store of seratonin and making everything look rosy. The problem is you pay for this mdma neurotransmitter over-spending in the days that follow. In contrast, 2C-B simulates seratonin rather than using your reserves, creeps in, lights up all your senses, can get you high as a kite, then disappears and a few hours later leaves you back where you started as if it had never been there. It is possibly the most implication-less drug I have ever come across (in sensible doses).

The downside of 2C-B (vs mdma) is you need the vibe / atmosphere to set it off. You are very much 'here' when on 2C-B and will be highly aware of your surroundings. When the setting is right, it is one of the most delicious multi-sensory / sinaesthetic rides; you can feel and 'see' the music through your whole body, new moves will come out of you and you will feel deeply connected to all those around you (as long as they're nice people). However, on the flip side, if the vibe isn't quite right, you'll be very aware of it.

The tricky bit is dosing. At 10-20mg orally, it is a chilled and happy buzz with amplification of visuals and body sensations but no real tripping. Get to 25mg and things will be swirling and rainbows / fractal patterns will be everywhere. Creep up towards 30mg and you better strap-in as the visuals will get intense and simple things will suddenly get hard. Presses / tabs within the same batch can vary so get powder if you can.

However, the beauty is the landing. Unlike mdma which spend your whole reserves in one go, 2C-B comes in, lights you up then disappears as if it was never there. Even if you go over the top, just chill and know that in a couple of hours it will be totally over. If you don't want it to end, you can redose as many times as you like (sticking to sensible doses obvs). When you do stop, you come down quick and will get ferocious munchies which also clear any last traces out of your system. There is almost no noticeable hangover, at all. HPPD is a possible danger, but you'd have to go insanely hard to get there. People with metal health / psych issues should probably stay away too.

For anyone else, whether looking to chill on mdma use or looking to dip your toes in the psychedelic shallows, it is an absolute gem of a drug. Do the reading, stick to sensible doses (on an empty stomach), do not combine with booze or anything else unless flipling and welcome to the future ;)