25i

25I-NBOMe, commonly referred to as 25I, is a synthetic psychedelic in the NBOMe family of compounds. It is a substituted phenethylamine that acts as a potent agonist at the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. The compound has appeared on illicit drug markets primarily in blotter paper, but also as liquid or powder. It is typically consumed sublingually or orally. Because of extreme potency, active doses are in the microgram range, and small dosing errors or adulterated products have led to overdoses and fatalities.

Pharmacology and effects: 25I-NBOMe produces perceptual changes, altered thinking, and mood effects typical of psychedelics, but it can also cause severe adverse reactions. Users may experience anxiety, agitation, paranoia, tachycardia, hypertension, nausea, and vomiting. The onset is usually within 20 to 60 minutes, with effects lasting several hours, though the duration can vary with dose and route of administration. Potency and batch-to-batch variability contribute to unpredictable outcomes.

Risks and safety: Documented health risks include vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow to limbs, hyperthermia, seizures, coma, and death in some cases. The substance has been involved in numerous hospitalizations and reported fatalities, often linked to accidental overdose or misrepresentation as LSD or other psychedelics. Medical treatment focuses on supportive care and management of cardiovascular and hyperthermic complications.

Legal status: 25I-NBOMe is regulated as a controlled substance in many jurisdictions. In the United States, it is treated as a Schedule I substance; many European and other countries have enacted similar prohibitions. Enforcement varies by region and over time.

See also: NBOMe, 25C-NBOMe, 25B-NBOMe.