4-AcO-DMT

4-AcO-DMT is a novel, lesser-known psychedelic substance of the tryptamine class. It is structurally related to psilocybin and psilocin, the active ingredient in psilocybin mushrooms (“magic mushrooms”). 4-AcO-DMT is thought to produce its effects by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain; however, the precise mechanism is not known.

Synthetic Mushrooms, 4-Acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, 4-acetoxy-DMT, O-acetylpsilocin, Psilacetin

Subjective effects include geometric visual effects, time distortion, enhanced introspection, euphoria, and ego loss. 4-AcO-DMT’s effects are considered to be nearly identical to psilocybin, with some subtle differences. It has been theorized to act as a prodrug to psilocin in a manner similar to psilocybin, which may account for this similarity. 4-AcO-DMT’s classical psychedelic effects and favorable tolerability profile has led it to become popular among novel psychoactive substance users who seek mystical or entheogenic experiences. It is occasionally sold in capsules or pressed pills and marketed as “synthetic shrooms”.

4-AcO-DMT was first synthesized in 1963 by Albert Hofmann and Franz Troxler as part of a chemical investigation into psilocin analogs. However, it was not tested for psychoactivity during this time. It is unknown when it was first explored in humans. A paper authored by David E. Nichols in 1999 proposed its potential use as an alternative to psilocybin for pharmacological research due to the lower cost of synthesis. Reports of recreational use began to surface shortly after its appearance on the online research chemical market in the 2010s.

Oral