4-AcO-DMT

4-AcO-DMT (4-Acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), also known as psilacetin, is a synthetic psychedelic compound first synthesized in the 1960s by chemist Albert Hofmann, the same scientist who discovered LSD. Structurally, 4-AcO-DMT is a prodrug of psilocin, the active compound in psilocybin mushrooms. This means that once consumed, it is metabolized into psilocin in the body, producing effects very similar to psilocybin.

Chemical Classification

• Class: Tryptamine

• IUPAC Name: 3-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-indol-4-yl acetate

• Related compounds: Psilocybin, Psilocin, DMT, 4-HO-DMT

How 4-AcO-DMT Works

4-AcO-DMT primarily affects the serotonin system by acting as an agonist at 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. This mechanism is responsible for its psychedelic effects such as altered perception, visual distortions, introspection, and changes in thought patterns.

Effects Reported (Educational Context)

Effects vary depending on dose, set, and setting. Documented reports suggest that 4-AcO-DMT produces experiences similar to psilocybin:

• Enhanced mood and emotional release

• Visual hallucinations (closed- and open-eye)

• Changes in time perception

• Increased introspection and sense of connectedness

• Potential mystical or spiritual-type experiences

Onset typically occurs within 20–60 minutes, lasting 4–8 hours, depending on metabolism and dosage.

Risks & Side Effects

Like other psychedelics, 4-AcO-DMT is not without risks. Reported adverse effects include:

• Nausea or stomach discomfort

• Anxiety or paranoia (especially at higher doses)

• Confusion or disorientation

• Risk of psychological distress in individuals predisposed to mental health conditions

Since it is a research chemical, long-term safety data is very limited.

Legal Status

• United States: Not specifically scheduled federally, but may be considered an analogue of psilocin under the Federal Analogue Act.

• United Kingdom: Classified as a Class A substance (illegal to possess or distribute).

• European Union: Regulations vary by country; many classify it alongside psilocybin as a controlled substance.

• Other countries: Legal status remains ambiguous in some regions, but possession often carries legal risk.