Legal alternatives to 3.4-ETMC: What options are there?

In smartshop forums , 3,4-ETMC is often jokingly referred to as "legal EMMA"—slang for an MDMA-like effect. This refers to a synthetic cathinone that was marketed as "legal MDMA." Now, 3,4-ETMC is facing the prospect of being banned. Consumers are therefore asking: Which legal substances can now satisfy similar needs? This article explains alternatives to ETMC—from cannabinoids to vapes and edibles to smartshop substances—and provides practical advice on effects, dosage, risks, and quality.

Many consumers are disappointed that 3,4-ETMC has been effectively banned by legislation. The Low-THC Act (NpSG) in Germany covers cathinones as an entire group of substances. A chemical name that is not explicitly stated in the law does not automatically mean "legal." If a substance falls into a protected group, its production, trade, and possession are prohibited. 3,4-ETMC has been subject to this group ban since 2016. Those looking for new legal recreational drugs must therefore reconsider their options. Instead of navigating unclear gray areas, it is advisable to turn to well-known, more transparently regulated categories – such as hemp-based alternatives or safe smartshop products with laboratory testing.

Key Takeaways

ETMC is effectively banned and has been subject to the German NpSG for years.
The substance belongs to the group of cathinones, the production, possession, and trade of which are prohibited. Therefore, no legal access to it exists.

There is no substance that exactly mimics ETMC or MDMA.
Legal alternatives can serve similar needs, but produce different effect profiles – more relaxing, stimulating, or mildly psychedelic.

Semi-synthetic cannabinoids are the most common legal alternatives.
Substances such as 10-OH-HHC, 10-OH-HHCP or PHC have effects similar to THC, providing relaxation, euphoria and a gentle high, but no empathogenic MDMA energy.

Smartshop fabrics offer stimulating or psychedelic options.
3-FPO (stimulant), 4-Pro-Met (mildly psychedelic) and 1S-LSD (LSD-like) are examples of substances that may be suitable depending on the desired effect.

Herbal remedies such as kratom or kanna are also legal, but vary in risk.
Kratom can have strong side effects, while Kanna has a mild mood-enhancing effect.

Quality and laboratory analyses are crucial.
Only products with transparent COAs, clear active ingredient declaration and tested purity offer true safety.

Legal situations are constantly changing.
Many semi-synthetic cannabinoids and smartshop substances could be regulated in the future – therefore, regular legal review is important.

Responsible consumption is a duty.
Use low doses, test effects, do not combine substances, and always choose a safe environment.

Why legal alternatives to 3.4-eTMC are in demand

The demand for legal "highs" is growing as consumers seek experiences beyond alcohol. However, authorities in Europe are reacting quickly to new psychoactive substances. For example, the semi-synthetic hexahydrocannabinol ( HHC ) was introduced in the US in 2021 and quickly marketed as a legal substitute for THC. Subsequently, other semi-synthetic cannabinoids such as HHC-O, HHC-P, THC-P , and the new PHC entered the market. These products were clearly sold as "legal cannabis substitutes"—often in the form of hemp sprayed with HHC, ready-made vapes, or edibles. The advantage: consumers were essentially buying a "legal" intoxicant instead of traditional cannabis. But this same dynamic has long since reached our region as well. In Germany and other EU countries, these substances are now banned or subject to close monitoring.

Consequently, the search for new legal alternatives is becoming increasingly challenging. For consumers, this means: use proven methods, such as tested cannabinoids or plant-based substances that are not yet on any lists. Manufacturers like HappyFlower now prioritize clear information: every product category, such as HHC or 10-OH-HHC, is documented with laboratory certificates. This ensures that the focus remains on quality and safety, rather than risky experiments.

Cannabinoids as legal substitute products

Many former ETMC customers are cannabis enthusiasts or looking for relaxation, which is why cannabinoids play an important role. Following the decriminalization of industrial hemp in the EU, various novel cannabinoids emerged. Unlike classic THC flowers , they generally have a milder effect. They interact with the endocannabinoid system and activate CB1 receptors in the brain similarly to THC, but often produce a slightly different spectrum of effects.

HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid obtained by hydrogenating delta-9-THC. Users describe the HHC high as significantly more relaxing and less anxiety-inducing than with conventional THC. The effects set in comparably quickly, but are usually somewhat milder. Because HHC was legally traded for many years, numerous user reports exist: The high resembles a milder THC high – a light body cannabis effect, often accompanied by gentle euphoria. In Germany, HHC was banned in 2024 by the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NpSG). As a result, successors such as 10-OH-HHC and 10-OH-HHCP are gaining importance. These compounds are chemically closely related, have effects similar to HHC, but are usually significantly stronger. HappyFlower offers, for example, 10-OH-HHC (a stronger variant) and 10-OH-HHCP (very intense) – each with comparable, yet legally permitted, effects.

Another example is PHC : a new semi-synthetic cannabinoid produced from industrial THC derivatives. PHC is not natural but chemically synthesized. It provides a very long-lasting effect because it is metabolized into THC in the body. Users report intense relaxation, contentment, and sometimes deep sedation. The strength of the effect can vary depending on the chemical form.

CBD and CBG, on the other hand, do not produce a high, but rather mild relaxation. Pure CBD is legal in Europe and is used, for example, to treat anxiety or pain. For consumers who prefer a non-psychoactive, yet calming effect, CBD is an option. CBG9 also aims for relaxation without intoxication. These cannabinoids do not produce MDMA-like effects and are more suitable as complementary rather than replacement products.

Edibles and Vapes : All of the cannabinoids mentioned above are available as food products (gummies, chocolate, drinks) or as vaping oils. Edibles have a slower and longer-lasting effect, while vapes are immediate and easily controllable.

Effects compared to ETMC: While cannabinoids primarily act on CB1 receptors, cathinones like ETMC directly influence serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Therefore, cannabinoids produce less stimulating and more sedating or relaxing effects.

Legal aspects: CBD/CBG are legal, but semi-synthetic substances like HHC or many HHC derivatives are increasingly being banned. 10-OH-HHC and 10-OH-HHCP are currently still permitted, but their use may be restricted in future legislation.

Smartshop substances as an alternative

Smartshop substances offer different effects than cannabinoids – some are stimulating, others psychedelic.

3-FPO : a stimulant molecule considered a "legal alternative to Ritalin." It has an activating, focusing, and wake-promoting effect. Typical dosage: low double-digit mg range. Currently, 3-FPO is not explicitly prohibited by law, but it could be in the future. Caution is advised regarding dosage and quality.

4-Pro-Met : a mild psychedelic molecule related to 4-HO-MET. It offers mild hallucinogenicity without strong reality distortion. Typical dosage: 3–10 mg. Not yet banned, but potentially affected by future NPS legislation.

1S-LSD : a modern, legal LSD analogue. It causes LSD-like visuals, introspective thoughts, and an effect lasting 8–12 hours. Currently not legally regulated, but expected to be soon.

Kratom: depending on the dose, it has a stimulating or sedative effect because it binds to opioid receptors. Side effects can be significant (nausea, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, seizures). Greater caution is required.

Kanna: a mild, plant-based mood enhancer. It has a relaxing and anxiety-relieving effect. Gentle, short-term effect, low risk.

Important: None of these substances has the empathogenic, social euphoria of ETMC or MDMA.

What to look out for when buying

When buying legal highs, the following applies:

Transparency: Active ingredient content, additives, and dosage must be clearly declared.

Laboratory data (COA): Only buy if purity, content and absence of contaminants have been verified.

Dosage: Smartshop substances in particular require precise dosing.

Quality: The origin of the raw materials, the manufacturing process and the degree of purity are crucial.

Value for money: Extremely cheap products often carry risks of contamination.

We work with complete laboratory analyses and make all relevant data publicly available.

Alternatives to 3,4-ETMC exist, but they produce different effects. Cannabinoids offer relaxation and a gentle high, while smartshop substances provide either stimulation or psychedelic experiences. Herbal substances like kanna or kratom each have their own risk profiles. No substance exactly replicates the complex empathic effects of MDMA or 3,4-ETMC. Responsible consumption remains crucial: low doses, verified quality, and reputable suppliers.