4-HO-MET vs Psilocybin
A side-by-side research comparison of 4-HO-MET and Psilocybin across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | 4-HO-MET | Psilocybin |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | 4-Hydroxy-N-methyl-N-ethyltryptamine (metocin) | Psilocybin (from psilocybin mushrooms) |
| Category | Psychedelics | Psychedelics |
| Status | Schedule I (research compound) | Schedule I (FDA Breakthrough Therapy for depression) |
| Mechanism | Activates serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, similar to other classic tryptamine psychedelics. | Converted in the body to psilocin, which activates serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. This temporarily loosens rigid thinking patterns and increases connectivity between brain networks. |
| Molecular weight | 218.30 g/mol | 284.25 g/mol |
| Half-life | ~2 hours | ~2-3 hours (psilocin) |
| Bioavailability | Oral | Oral |
| Typical dose | Varies by individual and setting | 10-30 mg in clinical trials |
| Frequency | Occasional | One to a few supervised sessions |
| Route | Oral | Oral, in a supervised therapeutic setting |
4-HO-MET reported benefits
- Gentle, visual experience
- Related to psilocin
- Studied as a research psychedelic
- Lower body load reported
Psilocybin reported benefits
- Studied for treatment-resistant depression
- Eases anxiety in life-threatening illness
- Explored for alcohol and tobacco addiction
- Often produces durable improvements after few doses
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Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.