Drug Exposé: 2C-B-FLY
Drug Exposé: 2C-B-FLY
Going deeper within the 2Cx family
During my last Drug Exposé on 2C-B, I was looking for places to buy the drug and often came across 2C-B-FLY instead.
I’ll admit, I’m not the most educated when it comes to obscure psychedelic research chemicals, so I assumed they were the same thing, but as I continued to do more research, I quickly realized that I was wrong. Based on my Reddit research, the best kind of research of all, 2C-B-FLY fans are very passionate about this drug and swear by the differences between this and plain old 2C-B.
What is it?
2C-B-FLY, chemical name 8-bromo-2,3,6,7-benzo-dihydro-difuran-ethylamine (try saying that five times fast), was first synthesized by Aaron P. Monte in 1996. It is a psychedelic phenethylamine drug. It is a derivative of the 2C-x family, most notably 2C-B, which I covered in another Shroomtown post if you missed it; however, they are most definitely not the same drug, and you should be cautious if you’re buying either so as not to confuse the two.
FLY started to gain some popularity among research chemical users and experimenters back in 2005, the reasons for which are unknown, but then largely disappeared in 2009 after a batch of mislabeled FLY caused two deaths. The drug that is reported to have actually caused these deaths was Bromo-DragonFLY, which is a completely different drug that is taken in doses of micrograms, rather than milligrams.
How is it taken?
2C-B-FLY, much like its more well-known cousin 2C-B, is typically taken orally. However, the dosage for FLY is different. Moderate doses range between 10 mg - 18 mg, with the effective dose starting as low as 2 mg. Strong doses are anywhere between 18 mg - 25 mg, and heavy doses are anywhere above 25 mg.
2C-B-FLY, like most other powdered substances, can be snorted or boofed (for those who don’t know, that involves taking substances up your butthole) as well. When consuming FLY using these methods, it’s recommended to lower the dose significantly.
What does it feel like?
Not a lot of academic research has been done on FLY, so, its effects are highly subjective and based on reading through trip reports that can be found online. FLY is reported to give users a significant body high, strong visual effects that morph into different shapes and sizes, and deep internal hallucinations. Its profile is often described as possessing features similar to 2C-B, mescaline, and MDA.
It usually lasts anywhere from six to 12 hours, with most moderate doses lasting around eight.
How do you get it and how much does it cost?
There wasn’t an underground dealer I know that’s even heard of 2C-B-FLY, let alone sells it, so to the internet I go.
Most of the research chemical websites I visited offer FLY only in pellet form and not as freebase powder. The average price was around $7 for 10 mg, but most sites did not include a price directly on the website. If you are considering ordering any research chemicals online, please test your drugs.
Is it legal?
The only place I could find where 2C-B-FLY is legal is in the Netherlands, where it’s legally available for purchase as a research chemical, not for human consumption. Other than that, it is illegal almost everywhere else.
Bad Trips
As mentioned earlier, the only reported deaths from FLY turned out to be a completely different drug, so no true actual FLY deaths have ever been reported. However, that’s not to say there aren't still risks to taking too high of a dose. Always start low and go slow.
2C-B-FLY, much like 2C-B, does not play very well with other drugs. Most notably, lithium, cannabis, stimulants, and Tramadol are to be avoided when taking FLY. It’s also dangerous to combine FLY with any type of MAOi-containing substance, such as ayahuasca or SSRIs. All this to say that it’s probably best to consume FLY on its own.
Harm reduction
When experimenting with new drugs and substances, it’s important to prioritize your safety, even above your curiosity.
Don’t mix drugs
Experiment and do an allergy and reaction test with a small dose first
Do a lot of research so you know what dose you want to try and have an idea of what you’re getting yourself into
Consider having a trip sitter around you for your first time or let someone know what you’re doing
Make sure you’re in the right mindset and environmental setting
Test your substances to make sure the synthesis is pure and contains no potentially toxic or harmful additives
Only go for these obscure phenethylamines if you already have a lot of prior psychedelic experience.
Know your dose, pay attention to research and instructions, and measure responsibly.
References and further reading:
Information on Reported Deaths Related to 2C-B-Fly
Cam Leids is an entrepreneur and a psychonaut through and through. He’s the host of The TripSitting Podcast and the founder of Conscious Retreats, a company that helps people find the best retreat center for their psychedelic journeys. He loves all things psychedelics-related, from the mental health and spiritual aspects to the downright crazy and nonsensical trips. He’s always down to hear and talk about it.