What is 4 AcO DMT in USA?
4 AcO DMT, also known as psilacetin in the USA, is a semi-synthetic tryptamine closely related to the psychedelic mushroom molecules psilocin and psilocybin. Commonly referred to as “synthetic mushrooms,” 4 AcO DMT is believed to be metabolized into psilocin within the body, similar to psilocybin.
Illicit purchases of 4-AcO-DMT often consist of a brown or off-white powder that can be mixed with water before dosing. It is also available in various other forms like pills, tablets, capsules, and gel tabs.
Moreover, it is not federally scheduled in the US, but manufacturing, distributing, or possessing the compound for human consumption violates the Federal Analogue Act.
According to the NDEWS Online Mentions Report from April 7, 2023, there has been an increase in online discussions related to 4-AcO-DMT over the past three years. The total mentions of the substance saw a significant spike in late 2022.
4-AcO-DMT is a semi-synthetic psychoactive drug of the tryptamine class, with some researchers considering it a prodrug for psilocin. It is relatively easy to synthesize compared to other psilocybin analogs.
Online discussions about this product mainly focus on its psychoactive effects, with many users reporting similarities to psilocybin or DMT without some negative side effects. The drug is also mentioned to be relatively inexpensive and easier to synthesize compared to other psychedelics.
Chemical Profile and Synthesis
4 AcO DMT, also known as 4-Acetoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine, is a synthetic compound classified as a hallucinogen in the USA. It is distinguished by the presence of a 4-acetoxy group attached to the nitrogen atom of the tryptamine backbone. This sets it apart from psilocybin, which contains a 4-phosphoryloxy group. Despite these variances, both compounds share a similar indole ring structure typical of tryptamines, which forms the basis for their comparable pharmacological effects as prodrugs of psilocin in the human body.
In a laboratory setting, synthesizing DMT typically involves acetylating psilocin, although it can also be derived from other tryptamine precursors. This process requires significant expertise in organic chemistry and access to specific reagents and equipment, typically involving a series of chemical reactions to introduce the acetoxy group into the tryptamine structure.
Potential Therapeutic Uses in USA
The potential therapeutic uses of 4 AcO DMT are gaining increased attention, particularly in the context of renewed research into psychedelic compounds for mental health treatment in USA. While less researched than psilocybin, its structural and pharmacological similarities suggest potential similar therapeutic applications. Furthermore, a 2017 animal study indicated that a single dose of 4-AcO-DMT could potentially prevent and reverse heroin and nicotine addictions. Researchers believe this process occurs through the modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its interaction with the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, regulating brain activity associated with mood and cognition.
Legal Status
The DEA’s Controlled Substances List does not specifically list 4-AcO-DMT as a controlled substance, indicating that it is not explicitly illegal under USA federal law. However, as psilacetin is an analog of psilocin, law enforcement may enforce penalties for possession and sales under the Federal Analogue Act. Nonetheless, attorney generals may not be inclined to pursue such cases, as stated by Keith Graves. For mushroom brands interested in manufacturing and selling 4-AcO-DMT products, navigating the intricate and often ambiguous regulatory landscape is essential, requiring substantial legal expertise and compliance with various drug laws. Furthermore, consumers should recognize the inherent level of risk and keep abreast of state laws.
