4-HO-MET is a synthetic tryptamine, closely related to psilocin, that was first described in the 1970s. It is the active substance in every Psilo Drops product, which people often search for as magic mushroom drops or psychedelic drops. This page explains what it is, how it works, where it stands legally, how it relates to the 4-PrO-MET version, and what you should know before you order.
What is 4-HO-MET?
4-HO-MET stands for 4-hydroxy-N-methyl-N-ethyltryptamine. It is also known as metocin or methylcybin. The molecule belongs to the 4-hydroxytryptamines, the same chemical family as psilocin, the active substance in psilocybin-containing mushrooms.
The substance was first synthesised by the American chemist Alexander Shulgin in the 1970s and first described in the scientific literature by David Repke and colleagues in 1981. Shulgin documented it as entry 21 in his book TiHKAL (Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved).
4-HO-MET and psilocin share the same indole skeleton and the same hydroxy group at position 4. The difference sits in the side chain: psilocin carries two methyl groups, 4-HO-MET carries one methyl and one ethyl group. That small change gives it a different molecule, a different legal status and, according to anecdotal reports, a somewhat different character.
Does it contain psilocybin or mushrooms?
No. Psilo Drops contain no mushrooms, no psilocybin and no psilocin. 4-HO-MET is a synthetic relative with a comparable receptor profile, but it is a different molecule with a different legal status. It is produced in a laboratory, which is what makes a stable quality and a consistent dose per drop possible.
How does 4-HO-MET work?
4-HO-MET is a non-selective serotonin receptor agonist. Its main effects are most likely mediated through the 5-HT2A receptor, the same receptor that psilocin and LSD act on. Peer-reviewed research on 4-HO-MET itself is limited; much of what is known about its pharmacology is extrapolated from psilocin and related tryptamines.
Anecdotal reports describe visual effects (geometry, colour shifts, a glow around objects), changes in time perception, tingling and euphoria. Compared with psilocin, users often describe 4-HO-MET as mentally clearer and more visual at a comparable dose, and less introspective. These descriptions are subjective and vary strongly from person to person.
Dose and duration
In TiHKAL, Shulgin lists an oral range of 10 to 20 mg with a duration of 4 to 6 hours. Broader anecdotal sources describe a threshold from about 5 mg and strong effects from about 30 mg. Individual sensitivity varies a great deal: some people report strong effects at 17 mg, others light effects at 30 mg.
Effects typically start after 15 to 40 minutes, peak after 2 to 3 hours and fade after 4 to 6 hours in total. Our dosing guide explains how these ranges translate to drops for each Psilo Drops product.
Is 4-HO-MET legal?
The Netherlands: 4-HO-MET is not listed on List I or List II of the Dutch Opium Act. The substance-group ban that took effect on 1 July 2025 (List IA) covers phenethylamines, synthetic cannabinoids and 4-aminopiperidines. Tryptamines are not part of it. The product does fall under the Commodities Act and the supervision of the NVWA, which is why we label it for research purposes and do not make health claims.
Belgium: Belgium has banned tryptamines as a group since 2017. 4-HO-MET is illegal there and we do not ship to Belgium.
Other EU countries: there is no harmonised EU rule; each country decides. We only ship to countries where the product may be sold, and the checkout only accepts those countries. Legislation changes, so check your local rules before ordering.
Safety and contra-indications
Scientific data on 4-HO-MET is limited. Known risks at high doses, derived from its pharmacology and case reports, include psychotic symptoms, a raised heart rate and blood pressure, and overheating. One published case report describes a hospital admission after an estimated 100 mg.
Do not use Psilo Drops if you are under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, have a cardiovascular condition, or take SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs or lithium. Do not combine with alcohol or other drugs. Store cool and dark, out of reach of children and animals.
4-HO-MET or 4-PrO-MET: the two versions
Every Psilo Drops product comes in two versions, which you select on the product page. The 4-HO-MET version contains the substance described above. The 4-PrO-MET version contains 4-propionyloxy-N-methyl-N-ethyltryptamine, the propionate ester of 4-HO-MET. 4-PrO-MET is a prodrug: enzymes in the body convert it into 4-HO-MET, so the character of the experience is attributed to the same active molecule.
Anecdotal reports on 4-PrO-MET describe a slightly later onset and a longer total duration of about 6 to 8 hours, because the conversion takes time. It is a very recent compound, on the market since 2025, with even less published data than 4-HO-MET. We do not present it as safer or milder; the difference is the prodrug mechanism and the legal status in some countries. The 4-PrO-MET version is the one we can ship to countries where 4-HO-MET itself may not be sold.
Psilo Drops: three concentrations
All three products are lab-tested and dissolved so that every drop carries a fixed amount. They differ only in concentration, and each is available with 4-HO-MET or 4-PrO-MET.
- Psilo Drops Classic: about 3 mg per drop. The original. 2 ml, 5 ml and 10 ml.
- Psilo Light: about half the concentration of Classic. For a first or milder experience. 5 ml and 10 ml.
- Psilo Micro: about a tenth of the concentration of Classic. Developed for microdosing. 15 ml.
Frequently asked questions
Disclaimer: this product is intended for research purposes only and is not for human consumption. For persons aged 18 and over. Keep out of reach of children and animals. This product is not a medicine and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Sources: Shulgin, TiHKAL entry 21; Repke et al. 1981; PsychonautWiki; NMS Labs monograph 2019; Dutch Opium Act lists as of May 2026.