Legal alternatives to NB-DMT: Psychedelics & Entheogens

NB-DMT is a newly emerging designer drug from the tryptamine group. Chemically, it is N1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-N,N-dimethyltryptamine – a DMT derivative with an attached protecting group. When heated (vaping/smoking), this protecting group cleaves off, releasing classic DMT. The effects are described as psychedelic, but weaker than pure DMT (approximately 25% of its potency). Because NB-DMT was only discovered as a so-called "legal recreational drug" in 2024 and has been little researched to date, consciousness-conscious consumers are looking for alternatives that are safer, legal, or more traditional. In this article, we present a wide range of options: from classic natural psychedelics to modern entheogens and high-quality cannabinoid products. We examine their mechanisms of action, dosage, potential risks, and the respective legal status. At the same time, you will learn what to look out for when buying – such as laboratory tests and purity seals like those offered by Happy Flower – to maximize your safety.

Key Takeaways

1. NB-DMT is a new, poorly researched tryptamine that decomposes into DMT when heated, but is significantly weaker and has little scientific data. Caution and low doses are crucial.
2. Natural psychedelics such as psilocybin, mescaline or ayahuasca are illegal in Germany , while milder plants such as kava and kanna are legally available and tend to have a relaxing or mood-enhancing effect.
3. 1S-LSD is currently the most important legal alternative to LSD , acts as a prodrug for LSD and produces similar psychedelic effects – but with strict dosage discipline in the microgram range.
4. Cannabinoid alternatives like PHC , 10-OH-HHC , or 10-OH-HHCP offer gentle, physical highs , similar to THC, but currently remain legal. They are suitable for users seeking a conscious, milder expansion of consciousness without strong hallucinations.
5. Effects and risks vary greatly between psychedelics, cannabinoids and herbs , which is why set and setting, low starting doses and avoiding mixing substances are essential.
6. Many substances are subject to changing legal status . Psilocybin, LSD, DMT, and mescaline are illegal, while 1S-LSD, PHC, and some herbs are currently legal. Always check the current legal situation.
7. Quality determines safety : Only products with laboratory analyses, clear active ingredient profiles, and verified origin are reliable. Pure, transparently declared products significantly reduce health risks.
8. Legal alternatives to NB-DMT offer diverse effects – from spiritual-psychedelic to

Natural psychedelics

The oldest entheogens are plants and fungi that contain psychoactive alkaloids. One of the best-known is psilocybin, found in so-called "magic mushrooms." Psilocybin is converted in the body to psilocin and acts primarily on serotonin 2A receptors. It produces colorful, vivid hallucinations, profound insights, and an altered perception of time. Classic dosage ranges for psilocybin mushrooms are between approximately 1 and 3 grams of dried mushrooms.

In Germany, psilocybin-containing mushrooms (and their ectomorphic relatives, the "truffles") are prohibited (Schedule I of the Narcotics Act), which forbids possession and consumption. In some countries, such as the Netherlands, only the mushroom fruiting bodies are prohibited, while truffles are legally sold. Psilocybin is currently being researched scientifically, but caution is still advised outside of studies. The sensations can be very intense and, in inexperienced users, can lead to anxiety and disorientation. A gentler approach is microdosing (a few hundred milligrams), which aims for only subtle effects without a true "trip."

Another natural entheogen is mescaline, a phenethylamine compound found in the cacti of the species peyote (Lophophora) and San Pedro (Echinopsis). Mescaline also has serotonergic hallucinogenic effects, but in Germany it is treated similarly to other hallucinogens – possession and trade are illegal. Ayahuasca is another powerful traditional psychedelic: an infusion made from the Banisteriopsis vine and a type of mimosa, commonly used in Brazil and the Amazon. Its active ingredient is DMT, supplemented with MAOIs. When taken ritually, ayahuasca evokes profound spiritual experiences, but DMT is on List I of controlled substances in Germany – ayahuasca is therefore prohibited there.

Other natural substances, such as Salvia divinorum from Mexico, induce strong trance states via kappa-opioid receptors. Salvia is freely available in many countries, but in Germany it is controlled and therefore effectively prohibited. Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga from Central Africa) contains ibogaine, a powerful hallucinogenic alkaloid. It is used in the psychedelic scene for the treatment of addiction. In Germany, ibogaine is not explicitly regulated, but its cultivation and sale are subject to strict pharmaceutical laws. As a result, it is practically difficult to obtain.

Less potent plant options include kava-kava (Piper methysticum) and kanna (Sceletium tortuosum). While not considered classic hallucinogens, they offer mild altered states of consciousness and mood elevation. Kava from the Pacific region has a relaxing and muscle-relaxing effect (though it can be hepatotoxic). Kanna from South Africa inhibits serotonin reuptake and is considered mildly mood-enhancing, anxiolytic, and aphrodisiac. Both are largely legal in Germany as herbal supplements. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), while generally seen as a powerful stimulant or opioid alternative, is not listed as a legal narcotic. Depending on the dose, it has a wide range of effects, from mild euphoria to strong sedation, and is worth a brief overview.

Synthetic legal entheogens

In addition to natural substances, chemists have developed a whole range of synthetic psychedelics. One example is 1S-LSD, a novel form of LSD in which a trimethylsilyl group has been attached to the molecule. This molecular detail circumvents the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG) in Germany, so 1S-LSD has been legal to sell since September 2024. In the body , 1S-LSD acts as a prodrug for LSD: after ingestion, it is converted into classic LSD. The effects are therefore roughly equivalent to a mild LSD trip – altered perception, intense thought processes, and heightened sensory perception. Since only a few micrograms are needed, dosage should be particularly careful (often starting at ~50–75 µg, with monitoring of the effects).

Similarly, other modified lysergic compounds exist: Some, like 1P-LSD or 1V-LSD, have already been regulated and banned in Germany under the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG). Others are still partially unresearched or only temporarily legal. Currently, 1S-LSD is probably the most prominent "legal LSD 3.0".

Among tryptamines, NB-DMT itself is an example of chemical camouflage: N-Boc-DMT was offered as a legal substitute for DMT. Experienced users report that NB-DMT, when smoked or vaporized, produces similar but weaker effects to DMT (imagery, lucid dream-like states, out-of-body sensations), only about a quarter as strong. For research and home use, the same rules apply as for DMT: be aware of strong psychological effects and ensure safe use.

Furthermore, new substances operating in a legal gray area are constantly emerging: In German smartshops, for example, schemes like 3-FPO or 4-Pro-Met are traded. These are designer drug categories that were temporarily freely available due to loopholes in the legislation. Clear recommendations regarding these substances are scarce – anyone considering such compounds should proceed with extreme caution and consult verifiable sources and laboratory reports.

Last but not least, the mescaline analog peyote cactus should be mentioned in legal exceptions: Even though genuine peyote is exotic and prohibited, there are distribution channels for Mexican cacti containing mescaline as collector's items. Anyone seeking experience with these must point out that every such substance is considered an illegal drug in Germany under the Federal Medicines Act (BtMG). Therefore, mescaline misuse remains prohibited despite its natural origin.

Cannabis-based alternatives

For many consumers, cannabis and its derivatives represent a mild form of consciousness expansion. While psychoactive THC is illegal in Germany outside of medical use, there are legal cannabis strains with very low THC content (≤ 0.2%). These mainly contain cannabidiol (CBD) and other secondary cannabinoids. CBD is not intoxicating but contributes to relaxation and a sense of calm. At higher doses, a slight psychoactive effect may be noticeable – though usually without classic hallucinations.

Currently, new semi-synthetic cannabinoids are receiving particular attention as alternatives. A prominent example was HHC, a partially hydrogenated THC that was previously legally available and produced a mild "high." However, this HHC was banned in 2024 by the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG) (possession and sale are now illegal in Germany). Compounds such as PHC and 10-OH-HHC / 10-OH-HHCP are now available as replacements. These are chemically similar to HHC but differ in slightly altered side chains. Users describe a comparable relaxing effect to HHC. Fortunately, PHC and the 10-OH variants are currently still considered legal (they are not explicitly listed in the German Narcotics Act).

Cannabinoid products come in many forms: flowers for smoking or vaporizing, vapes , edibles (gummies, brownies, oils), etc. HHC, PHC , or 10-OH-HHC vapes are popular because they are fast-acting and easy to dose. Happy Flower, in particular, offers PHC vape sticks and HHC & 10-OH-HHC vapes. There are also edibles like gummies containing HHC or PHC, whose effects often last longer. As always with these products: increase gradually! Start with a lower dose and wait about 15–30 minutes, as the full effects of vaping can be delayed.

For beginners, more classic flowers are also recommended – such as CBD-rich flowers or blends. These produce a very mild, often described as "centered" high. We offer a diverse selection: flowers with varying cannabinoid profiles. Many customers appreciate, for example, Lemon Haze PHC or 10-OH-HHC-Og Kush.

Besides cannabinoids, the legal high market often includes herbal mixtures or incense containing, for example, lavender, sage, or herbal stimulants. Their effects are moderate and limited to a spectrum ranging from a pleasant physical sensation to mild psychological influence. Some products offered in smart shops also claim to have a legal effect on mood and perception. These can be seen as a very mild but safe way to try something new in a relaxed manner.

Effects and uses

The substances mentioned are very diverse – ranging from potent hallucinogens to mild relaxants. Their mechanisms of action also vary: Classic psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD, DMT) primarily activate the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, leading to altered perception and expanded consciousness. Cannabinoids such as HHC or PHC, on the other hand, bind to the endocannabinoid system (CB1/CB2 receptors) and tend to produce a physical high and relaxation. Kava works via GABA and glutamate, relaxing muscles, while kanna blocks serotonin reuptake and calms the mind.

The methods of administration are diverse: Psychedelic mushrooms are taken orally; dosages usually range between 1 and 3 grams for a full trip. Ayahuasca or DMT powder is smoked. NB-DMT is also smoked or vaporized, often starting with 20–30 mg. Lysergamides such as 1S-LSD are taken in microgram doses as lollipops or blotters (50–150 µg is typical). Kava is consumed as a powder or extract drink. Kanna is chewed or taken as an extract.

Cannabinoids like HHC/PHC can be smoked, vaped, or consumed as edibles. A few puffs are sufficient for vaping, while edibles typically contain around 5–10 mg. Generally, start with a low dose and increase slowly. If taking orally, wait at least two hours before increasing the dosage.

Special features

Some of these substances have interesting characteristics: 1S-LSD, for example, was specifically designed as a legal "LSD variant." NB-DMT contains DMT, but its chemical protecting group makes it milder. PHC has a slower onset than THC and provides a steady, long-lasting body sensation. 10-OH-HHCP has a particularly potent effect that appeals to experienced cannabinoid users. Kava tends to have a more physical and relaxing effect, while Kanna is more mental and anxiolytic.

Key ingredients

For every product, it's worth taking a look at the cannabinoid or active ingredient profile. Products like Lemon Haze PHC or 10-OH-HHC OG Kush provide information about the main active ingredients. Terpenes (fragrance and aroma compounds) influence the overall effect: limonene tends to be energizing, while myrcene is more calming. This creates a so-called entourage effect.

Risks and cautions

All of the substances mentioned can trigger intense experiences. The risks are both psychological and physical. Psychologically, strong hallucinogens can cause anxiety, confusion, or paranoia. Physically, increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, nausea, or seizures are possible. Some substances interact with medications.

Cannabinoids like HHC/PHC are less problematic, but can cause dry mouth, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat. Extreme consumption of kava can cause liver toxicity. Kanna, in very large quantities, can cause headaches or nausea, but is generally well-tolerated. Kratom can be addictive and has either a stimulating or sedative effect depending on the dose.

Set and setting are crucial. Psychedelics should never be used in unsafe environments or if you have mental health problems. Do not take them while driving or in critical situations.

Legal situation

The legislation is complex and constantly changing. Many of the substances mentioned are prohibited in Germany (Schedule I of the Narcotics Act). These include psilocybin, LSD, DMT, and mescaline. New cannabinoids often fall under the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG). HHC was banned in 2024. Products containing PHC , 10-OH-HHC , and 10-OH-HHCP are currently still considered legal. 1S-LSD is currently permitted, but other LSD analogs are not. Herbal extracts such as kava, kanna, or sage are usually available without regulation.

Before making a purchase, you should find out about the current situation, as laws are subject to rapid changes.

What you should pay attention to when buying

Quality and purity are crucial. Inferior products pose health risks. Happy Flower adheres to the highest standards: Every item undergoes independent laboratory testing. The Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirms purity and the exact concentration of active ingredients. This ensures that no impurities are present.

Also, pay attention to precise product names. Variety names like " Gelato PHC " or " Lemon Cake PHC Vape " demonstrate transparency. Detailed product descriptions, dosage instructions, and customer reviews provide information about the effects. Reputable vendors have a legal notice (impressum) and answer questions.

Price is another indicator: Extremely cheap kits without any information about their origin are risky. Happy Flower stands for fair prices.

Buy less and test slowly. Avoid combining several strong entheogens.