The origin of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM, STP).

The powerful psychedelic 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM, also known as STP) first appeared in 1967, but the full story is often missing details and includes inaccuracies. Alexander Shulgin supplied the material to Owsley Stanley, who then distributed it to the public for free. Shulgin took an immense risk because DOM was Dow Chemical's intellectual property, and discovery could have jeopardized his career. The article explores why Shulgin released the compound to clandestine operators. DOM faded into oblivion before its human pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics could be established, but it later contributed to non-clinical molecular neuroscience by elucidating receptor specificity. Mistaken warnings about combining DOM with chlorpromazine led to better non-pharmacological drug crisis response.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The story of the 1967 appearance of the powerful psychedelic 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM, STP) commonly omits details and often includes hyperbole and inaccuracies. It is well known how and when the drug was first distributed to the public for free by Owsley Stanley, but the role that Alexander Shulgin played in providing that material is not as well understood. In the interest of transparency and historical accuracy, this article attempts to present an accurate account of this well-known but inadequately detailed event. It follows DOM's development as an experimental substance believed to hold potential promise in psychotherapeutic applications through its appearance as a street drug generating bad press and a lasting bad impression among the public. One of the more interesting questions is why Shulgin would have taken such an immense risk in releasing this material to clandestine operators. While DOM was still legal it was also Dow's intellectual property, so discovery of his involvement could have jeopardized his career. The escape is especially curious as all fingers would logically first point towards Shulgin as the source. Drawing from published and unpublished sources, the authors attempt to suggest answers. DOM rapidly faded into oblivion before human pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics could be established. In this account, the reader is informed of the potential value that the compound played in non-clinical molecular neuroscience, elucidating receptor specificity of new drugs, and how mistaken warnings about combining DOM with chlorpromazine led to better non-pharmacological drug crisis response.