What is 4-Hydroxy, and how does it compare to the "magic" mushrooms we all love?

Here's the short and sweet answer:

4-HO-DET (also known as 4-hydroxy-diethyltryptamine) is a compound that belongs to the tryptamine class. It’s closely related to psilocin (the active compound in magic mushrooms).

History & Background of 4-Hydroxy

First synthesized by chemist Alexander Shulgin in the late 1950s, 4-HO-DET was explored in his book TiHKAL (Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved). The substance was then used in human clinical trials in the 1960s by the German researchers Hanscarl Leuner and G. Baer. Although not as well-known or widely used as other psychedelics, it has been studied and used recreationally by some psychonauts for its psilocin-like effects. 

Effects of 4-Hydroxy

People who’ve taken 4-Hydroxy often describe effects similar to those of magic mushrooms—visual distortions, enhanced colors, introspective thought, time distortion, and emotional shifts. However, the experience is often said to be shorter and somewhat more controllable than mushrooms.

How do you take 4-Hydroxy and How Long Does it Last?

Oral doses typically range between 2 to 30 mg. Onset is usually felt within 20 to 60 minutes, with the peak experience lasting around 2 to 4 hours, and aftereffects fading after about 6 hours. As with all psychedelics, individual response can vary depending on dose, setting, and personal sensitivity.

Is 4-Hydroxy Safe and Legal?

4-HO-DET is considered to have a similar safety profile to other classical psychedelics. It’s not associated with physical toxicity or addiction, but high doses can cause intense psychological reactions. Its legal status varies—some countries consider it a controlled substance, while in the United States and others it’s unscheduled.

Conclusion

Though less popular than psilocybin, 4-HO-DET remains an intriguing psychedelic for those interested in exploring synthetic tryptamines. Due to its structural similarity to naturally occurring compounds, it can offer a comparable but distinct experience.