The online market for research chemicals has grown in popularity, and substances like 25B-NBOMe, often classified as designer drugs, are readily available from various vendors and sellers. While this accessibility may seem convenient for researchers, it raises several critical concerns.
Firstly, the ease with which one can buy 25B-NBOMe online from research chemical sellers may inadvertently promote risky experimentation. These substances are often inadequately labeled and marketed as “not for human consumption.” However, their psychoactive properties and potential health risks are well-documented. This market’s lack of proper regulation and quality control poses significant dangers to unsuspecting buyers.
Furthermore, the motivations of research chemical vendors can be questionable. Many are primarily driven by profit, often disregarding the ethical implications of selling potentially harmful substances. Some vendors may exploit legal loopholes to market these chemicals as novelty products, evading regulations designed to protect public health.
The limited research on 25B-NBOMe’s long-term effects also underscores the need for caution. The sale of such substances online may encourage experimentation without adequate knowledge of the associated risks, potentially leading to unforeseen health consequences.
Potential buyers must exercise extreme caution when considering the purchase of 25B-NBOMe or any research chemical online. They should prioritize safety, legality, and ethical concerns over convenience. Responsible research, including adherence to ethical guidelines and compliance with relevant laws and regulations, is essential to ensure the well-being of researchers and society.
In summary, the online availability 25B-NBOMe through research chemical sellers is a double-edged sword. While it may offer researchers access to substances of interest, it also presents significant risks, including inadequate labeling, questionable vendor motivations, and potential health hazards. Researchers must approach this market skeptically, prioritize safety, and consider ethical considerations.
Contents
- 1 Summary
- 2 Chemistry
- 3 Pharmacology
- 4 Subjective effects
- 5 Toxicity
- 6 Legal status
- 7 FAQ
- 7.1 1. What is 25B-NBOMe?
- 7.2 2. How is 25B-NBOMe typically consumed?
- 7.3 3. What are the effects of 25B-NBOMe?
- 7.4 4. Is 25B-NBOMe legal?
- 7.5 5. What are the risks associated with 25B-NBOMe?
- 7.6 6. Is 25B-NBOMe addictive?
- 7.7 7. How long do the effects of 25B-NBOMe last?
- 7.8 8. Can 25B-NBOMe be tested for in drug screenings?
- 7.9 9. How can I reduce the risks associated with 25B-NBOMe use?
- 8 References
Summary
25B-NBOMe, also called Cimbi-36, NBOMe-2C-B, and 2C-B-NBOMe, is a recently identified psychedelic compound in the phenethylamine class. This chemical is part of the 25x-NBOMe series, a group of potent psychedelics derived from the 2C-x family. The name 25B-NBOMe refers to its relationship with the phenethylamine psychedelic 2C-B.
In 2004, Ralf Heim, a Free University of Berlin researcher, first discovered 25B-NBOMe. It functions as a potent partial agonist of the 5-HT2A receptor, a key player in the psychedelic effects of many substances. During clinical trials, a safety evaluation determined that one microgram was acceptable for human exposure. This dosage was calculated to be only 1/300th of what would induce hallucinations in humans. Therefore, recreational use often involves doses far exceeding what is considered safe for human consumption. Notably, before it emerged as a designer drug in 2010, 25B-NBOMe had no recorded history of human use.
Subjectively, users of 25B-NBOMe report a range of effects, including stimulation, open and closed-eye visuals, time distortion, euphoria, and ego dissolution. Anecdotal accounts suggest that this compound can produce hallucinogenic effects at doses as low as 250–500 µg, putting it in a similar potency range as other phenethylamine-derived hallucinogens like Bromo-DragonFLY. Importantly, it should be noted that substances from the NBOMe class are not orally active and are typically taken sublingually, where they are placed in the mouth and allowed to absorb over 15-30 minutes.
There is limited knowledge regarding the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of 25B-NBOMe in humans. Several members of the 25x-NBOMe series have been linked to hospitalizations and fatalities. Due to its high sensitivity to dosage, unpredictable effects, and potential difficulty in safe usage, it is strongly recommended that harm reduction practices be followed by individuals considering the use of this substance. Safety and responsible use should be paramount concerns when dealing with 25B-NBOMe.
Chemistry
25B-NBOMe, also known as 2C-B-NBOMe, belongs to the serotonergic family of compounds and is a derivative of the substituted phenethylamine psychedelic called 2C-B. Structurally, it is characterized by methoxy groups (CH3O-) attached to carbons R2 and R5 and a bromine atom attached to carbon R4. It distinguishes itself from 2C-B by featuring a substitution on the amine (NH2) with a 2-methoxybenzyl (BOMe) group. This 2-methoxybenzyl substitution is a shared characteristic of other NBOMe family chemicals. Within this NBOMe family, the addition comprises a methoxy ether (CH3O-) bound to a benzene ring at R2.
The compound exhibits a density of approximately 1.3 g/cm^3, with a possible variation of ±0.1 g/cm^3.
Pharmacology
25B-NBOMe has efficacy at the 5-HT2A receptor where it acts as a potent partial agonist. However, the role of these interactions and how they result in the psychedelic experience continues to remain elusive.
Subjective effects
Disclaimer: The information provided below is based on anecdotal user reports and the subjective analysis of the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), a body of open research literature. It is advisable to approach this information with a healthy degree of skepticism.
Notably, these effects may not consistently occur predictably, and higher doses are more likely to induce a broader range of effects. Additionally, it is crucial to know that higher doses can increase the risk of adverse effects, including addiction, severe injury, or even death ☠.
Physical:
- Stimulation – 25B-NBOMe is typically considered to provide an energetic and stimulating experience, although it tends to be less stimulating than 25I-NBOMe. Users often describe a unique form of physical stimulation characterized by extreme energy without compelling them to move involuntarily. However, for some, it can lead to uncontrollable physical sensations, including body shakes and teeth grinding, similar to the effects of MDMA and traditional stimulants like amphetamine. This occurs less consistently compared to 25I-NBOMe.
- Mouth Numbing – Upon sublingual absorption, users immediately notice a strong, unpleasant metallic taste. This is accompanied by a noticeable numbness of the tongue and mouth, which can persist for up to an hour after consuming the blotter paper. This distinction is vital for differentiating between LSD and NBOMe series substances.
- Spontaneous Physical Sensations – The “body high” associated with 25B-NBOMe is generally described as mild, encompassing, soft, and euphoric tingling. This sensation is often accompanied by rushes of euphoria that become more prolonged with increasing dosage.
- Perception of Bodily Lightness – Users consistently report feeling extremely light, sometimes to the point of complete weightlessness.
- Nausea – Nausea may occur as the user begins to come up, occasionally leading to initial vomiting. However, this discomfort typically subsides as the trip fully sets in, and in comparison to other psychedelics like psilocin, LSD, 2C-E, and 2C-I, it is considered relatively mild in intensity.
- Vasoconstriction
- Increased Heart Rate
- Pupil Dilation
Visual:
- Enhancements:
- Visual acuity enhancement
- Color enhancement
- Pattern recognition enhancement
- Distortions:
- Drifting (melting, flowing, breathing, and morphing) – These effects are highly detailed, slow, smooth in motion, static in appearance, and often unrealistic or cartoon-like.
- Tracers
- After images
- Symmetrical texture repetition
- Color shifting
- Scenery slicing
- Geometry:
- The visual geometry during a 25B-NBOMe trip is often likened to LSD. It is described as algorithmic, intricate, delicate, detailed, fast-moving, structured, colorful, glossy, sharp-edged, and mostly rounded at the corners. These visuals are more intricate than commonly used psychedelics like 2C-I and are on par with LSD, psilocin, and DMT at appropriately high doses.
- Hallucinatory States:
- Transformations
- Internal hallucination (autonomous entities, settings, sceneries, landscapes, perspective hallucinations, and scenarios) – These tend to manifest more frequently in dark environments and are characterized by their lucid believability, interactive nature, and thematic themes that can be personal, religious, spiritual, science-fiction, fantasy, surreal, nonsensical, or metaphysical.
Cognitive:
- Empathy, love, and sociability enhancement (entactogenic effects)
- Analysis enhancement (primarily in non-social, introspective settings)
- Thought acceleration
- Wakefulness
- Time distortion
- Novelty enhancement
- Conceptual thinking
- Thought connectivity
- Emotion enhancement
- Increased music appreciation
- Personal bias suppression
- Memory suppression
- Ego death
- Immersion enhancement
- Increased libido
Auditory:
- Enhancements
- Distortions
- Hallucinations
Toxicity
25B-NBOMe is a relatively novel substance, and our knowledge regarding its pharmacological risks and interactions with other compounds remains limited. The lethal dose has not been definitively determined, but there has been one reported case of a 17-year-old boy whose death was attributed to 25B-NBOMe.
It is strongly advised to avoid insufflating (snorting) 25B-NBOMe, as this method of administration can be potentially fatal at high doses.
In clinical trials, 25B-NBOMe was evaluated with a safety consideration dose of only one microgram for human subjects. This dose is 300 times lower than the expected hallucinogenic dose for humans. It is anticipated that recreational use often involves doses far exceeding what is considered safe for humans.
For those who choose to use this substance, it is highly recommended to employ harm reduction practices.
Tolerance and Addiction Potential:
25B-NBOMe is not considered habit-forming, and the desire to use it can decrease with continued use. It often self-regulates.
Tolerance to the effects of 25B-NBOMe develops almost immediately after ingestion. It takes approximately one week for tolerance to reduce by half and two weeks to return to baseline (without further consumption). Significantly, 25B-NBOMe induces cross-tolerance with other psychedelics, meaning that after using 25B-NBOMe, the effects of all psychedelics are diminished.
Overdose:
Due to its high potency and unpredictable effects, the margin between an average dose and an overdose of NBOMe compounds is extremely narrow compared to many other substances. The precise toxic dose remains uncertain, as it seems to depend on individual physiology more than dose alone. Anecdotal reports suggest dangerous side effects may occur at doses exceeding 1000 μg, with potential lethality for more sensitive individuals at around 2000 μg. However, there have been cases of people surviving much higher doses with minimal side effects.
Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding the dosage on blotter paper makes insufflating, vaporizing, or consuming tinctures of this substance highly discouraged, as it has been linked to numerous documented deaths. A study found that 25I‐NBOMe and 25C‐NBOMe blotter papers contained ‘hotspots’ with higher quantities of the drug, increasing the risk of overdosing.
NBOMe overdose effects often include a dangerously elevated heart rate, blood pressure, hyperthermia, and significant vasoconstriction. Other symptoms may involve confusion, delusions, panic attacks, aggressive behavior, numbness or pain, amnesia, and seizures. Overdosing can lead to organ failure, cardiac arrest, and death[citation needed]. There have been reports of individuals lethally injuring themselves or experiencing fatal falls. While benzodiazepines or antipsychotics may help manage the psychological effects of an overdose, seeking medical attention is crucial in any suspected 25I-NBOMe overdose.
Dangerous Interactions:
Warning: Combining certain psychoactive substances, even those considered safe when used alone, can suddenly become dangerous and potentially life-threatening. The following list highlights known dangerous interactions (though it may not cover all possibilities).
It is essential to conduct independent research (e.g., through Google, DuckDuckGo, or PubMed) to ensure the safety of combining two or more substances. Some of this information is sourced from TripSit. Given the highly unpredictable nature of the NBOMe series, it is generally recommended to avoid mixing them with other psychoactive substances.
- 2C-T-X: These phenethylamines can have unpredictable interactions, and since NBOMes are already known for their unpredictability, this combination should be avoided.
- 5-MeO-xxT: Similar to the 2C-T-X compounds, the 5-MeO tryptamines can interact unpredictably with NBOMes, making this combination inadvisable.
- Amphetamines: Combining amphetamines with NBOMes can result in tachycardia, hypertension, vasoconstriction, and, in extreme cases, heart failure. The anxiogenic and focusing effects of stimulants can also lead to unpleasant thought loops. NBOMes are known to induce seizures, which stimulants can exacerbate.
- aMT
- Caffeine: Caffeine can intensify the natural stimulation of psychedelic drugs, potentially leading to discomfort. High doses can cause anxiety, which can be challenging to manage during a trip.
- Cannabis: Cannabis can unpredictably amplify the effects of psychedelics, increasing the risk of adverse psychological reactions such as anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and psychosis. Users are advised to start with a small fraction of their usual cannabis dose and take long breaks between hits to avoid overconsumption.
- Cocaine: Combining cocaine and NBOMes can result in severe vasoconstriction, tachycardia, hypertension, and, in extreme cases, heart failure due to their shared stimulant properties.
- DOx
- DXM
- Lithium: Lithium, commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder, has anecdotal evidence suggesting that its use with psychedelics significantly increases the risk of psychosis and seizures. As such, this combination is strongly discouraged.
- MAOIs: MAO-B inhibitors can unpredictably enhance the potency and duration of phenethylamines.
- MDMA
- MXE: As an NMDA antagonist, MXE can potentiate the effects of NBOMes, potentially leading to an uncomfortably intense experience.
- Tramadol: Tramadol is known to lower the seizure threshold, and NBOMes have been associated with severe seizures. Combining these substances is highly discouraged.
Legal status
Austria: Since June 26, 2019, the possession, production, and sale 25B-NBOMe have been deemed illegal under the SMG (Suchtmittelgesetz Österreich).
Brazil: The possession, production, and sale of 25B-NBOMe are illegal in Brazil, as listed on Portaria SVS/MS nº 344.
Canada: In Canada, 25B-NBOMe is categorized as Schedule III due to its derivative nature from 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine.
China: Since October 2015, 25B-NBOMe has been classified as a controlled substance in China.
Germany: 25B-NBOMe has fallen under Anlage I BtMG (Narcotics Act, Schedule I) in Germany since December 13, 2014. Manufacturing, possessing, importing, exporting, buying, selling, procuring, or dispensing it without a license is illegal.
Italy: Italy classifies 25B-NBOMe as a Schedule 1 controlled substance.
Japan: In Japan, 25B-NBOMe was classified as a narcotic drug effective November 1st, 2015.
Latvia: 25B-NBOMe is categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance in Latvia.
New Zealand: In New Zealand, 25B-NBOMe is classified as a Schedule 2 controlled substance.
Sweden: Sweden classifies 25B-NBOMe as Schedule I.
Switzerland: 25B-NBOMe is considered a controlled substance, named explicitly under Verzeichnis D in Switzerland.
Turkey: In Turkey, 25B-NBOMe is classified as a drug and is illegal to possess, produce, supply, or import.
United Kingdom: 25B-NBOMe is designated as a Class A drug due to the N-benzyl phenethylamine catch-all clause in the United Kingdom.
United States: On November 15, 2013, the DEA utilized its emergency scheduling powers to include 25B-NBOMe in Schedule I, temporarily categorized as such for two years.
FAQ
1. What is 25B-NBOMe?
25B-NBOMe, also known as 2C-B-NBOMe, is a synthetic compound that belongs to the NBOMe family of psychedelics. It is derived from the substituted phenethylamine 2C-B and is known for its hallucinogenic properties.
2. How is 25B-NBOMe typically consumed?
25B-NBOMe is commonly found on blotter paper, and users often place it under the tongue for sublingual absorption. It can also be ingested orally or, in some cases, insufflated (snorted). However, insufflating this substance is not recommended due to potential health risks.
3. What are the effects of 25B-NBOMe?
The effects of 25B-NBOMe include altered perception, hallucinations, enhanced sensory experiences, and changes in mood and cognition. Users may also experience physical sensations such as stimulation, increased heart rate, and pupil dilation.
4. Is 25B-NBOMe legal?
The legal status of 25B-NBOMe varies by country and region. In many places, including the United States and several European countries, it is classified as a controlled substance, making its possession, sale, and distribution illegal. Always check local laws and regulations before considering its use.
5. What are the risks associated with 25B-NBOMe?
Using 25B-NBOMe carries certain risks, including the potential for overdose, which can lead to severe health consequences, including cardiac issues, seizures, and even death. It can also cause unpredictable psychological effects, including anxiety and panic attacks.
6. Is 25B-NBOMe addictive?
No, 25B-NBOMe is not considered habit-forming, and there is generally no physical addiction associated with its use. The desire to use it can decrease with repeated use.
7. How long do the effects of 25B-NBOMe last?
The duration of the effects can vary depending on factors like dosage and individual sensitivity. Typically, the effects 25B-NBOMe can last anywhere from 6 to 10 hours, with the peak occurring within the first few hours after ingestion.
8. Can 25B-NBOMe be tested for in drug screenings?
Standard drug tests do not usually screen for 25B-NBOMe specifically. However, it may be possible for specialized tests to detect its presence, especially in cases where it has been abused or misused.
9. How can I reduce the risks associated with 25B-NBOMe use?
If you choose to use 25B-NBOMe, harm reduction practices are crucial. These include using precise dosages, avoiding mixing it with other substances, having a trusted and sober friend present during the experience, and being aware of its legal status in your area.
References
- Erowid NBOMe (Other or Unknown NBOMe-Compound) Vault: Fatalities / Deaths
- Heim, R. (2004). “Synthese und Pharmakologie potenter 5-HT2A-Rezeptoragonisten mit N-2 -Methoxybenzyl-Partialstruktur: Entwicklung eines neuen Struktur-Wirkungskonzepts” (in German). doi:10.17169/refubium-16193.
- Hansen, M., Phonekeo, K., Paine, J. S., Leth-Petersen, S., Begtrup, M., Bräuner-Osborne, H., Kristensen, J. L. (19 March 2014). “Synthesis and Structure–Activity Relationships of N -Benzyl Phenethylamines as 5-HT 2A/2C Agonists”. ACS Chemical Neuroscience. 5 (3): 243–249. doi:10.1021/cn400216u. ISSN 1948-7193.
- Erowid Bromo-Dragonfly Vault: Dosage
- Silva, Maria Elena (2009). “Theoretical study of the interaction of agonists with the 5-HT2A receptor”. doi:10.5283/EPUB.12119.
- Silva, M. E., Heim, R., Strasser, A., Elz, S., Dove, S. (January 2011). “Theoretical studies on the interaction of partial agonists with the 5-HT2A receptor”. Journal of Computer-Aided Molecular Design. 25 (1): 51–66. doi:10.1007/s10822-010-9400-2. ISSN 0920-654X.
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- Preclinical Safety Assessment of the 5-HT2A Receptor Agonist PET Radioligand [11C]Cimbi-36 | https://bitnest.netfirms.com/external.php?id=%257DbxUgX%255DCY%2504%2505wzx%2519%2505VYL%2502RI%257E%2560d
- Erowid 25I-NBOMe (2C-I-NBOMe) Vault: Fatalities / Deaths
- Erowid 2C-C-NBOMe (25C-NBOMe) Vault: Fatalities / Deaths
- Lützen, E., Holtkamp, M., Stamme, I., Schmid, R., Sperling, M., Pütz, M., Karst, U. (April 2020). “Multimodal imaging of hallucinogens 25C‐ and 25I‐NBOMe on blotter papers”. Drug Testing and Analysis. 12 (4): 465–471. doi:10.1002/dta.2751. ISSN 1942-7603.
- Marchi, N. C., Scherer, J. N., Fara, L. S., Remy, L., Ornel, R., Reis, M., Zamboni, A., Paim, M., Fiorentin, T. R., Wayhs, C. A. Y., Von Diemen, L., Pechansky, F., Kessler, F. H. P., Limberger, R. P. (1 March 2019). “Clinical and Toxicological Profile of NBOMes: A Systematic Review”. Psychosomatics. 60 (2): 129–138. doi:10.1016/j.psym.2018.11.002. ISSN 0033-3182.
- Yoon, K. S., Yun, J., Kim, Y.-H., Shin, J., Kim, S. J., Seo, J.-W., Hyun, S.-A., Suh, S. K., Cha, H. J. (1 April 2019). “2-(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine (25D-NBOMe) and N-(2-methoxybenzyl)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-chlorophenethylamine (25C-NBOMe) induce adverse cardiac effects in vitro and in vivo”. Toxicology Letters. 304: 50–57. doi:10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.01.004. ISSN 0378-4274.
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