2C-I “Smiles”

The drug 2C-I is a psychedelic phenethylamine of the 2C family; the drug was initially synthesized by Alexander Shulgin. Today, the drug is used recreationally (mainly by teens and young adults) for its psychedelic properties and effects. The drug can usually be purchased in its hydrochloride salt form, which is a sparkling-white powdery substance; however, it can also be made into a tablet.

2C-I (smiles) first entered the drug scene in the early 2000s. Smiles was initially sold in Dutch smart shops after its predecessor 2C-B was banned. By 2008, the latter version 2C-I was also banned in the Netherlands, along with other drugs in the 2C family. During that time, smiles was made available by numerous online vendors of research chemicals in western Europe, Asia, and the U.S. On U.S. streets, Smiles is frequently misrepresented as mescaline and sold in singular doses since it can provide similar psychedelic effects to the user. Both 2C-I and mescaline are members of the psychedelic phenethylamine class of drugs. However, the most notable difference between mescaline and the research chemicals contained in 2C-I or “smiles” is that 2C-I has a much greater potency by weight. The effective dosage range per milligram with 2C-I is nearly 10-fold less than that of mescaline. This means that smiles can be effectively delivered through a small piece of candy or a small carrier pill. On the other hand, a little pill would be insufficient to contain enough mescaline to have the same level of psychoactive effects for the user. In general, users take 2C-I orally; however, the powder can also be inhaled. 2C-I is known for causing a considerable amount of discomfort and pain upon inhalation. People have also been known to smoke or vaporize the substance, but when they do, it requires a higher dosage. Others have injected smiles into the muscles or through the veins. Once someone takes 2C-I, they can typically experience the effects within two hours, and the effects typically last from 4 to 12 hours. While small doses cause a stimulant effect, larger doses cause psychedelic or hallucinogenic effects. Smiles is known for being similar to a combination of MDMA and LSD, only it’s far more potent and dangerous. Because the drug is new, a lot of teens are overdosing on the drug, but it’s not showing up in any tests. The fact that the drug doesn’t show up on drug tests as of yet is one of the very reasons why it is attractive to athletes and young college students.