NBOMes: Just the Facts

NBOMes are a group of very strong psychedelic drugs, similar to LSD – this means people who take them will have a distorted view of reality, time and objects around them. Being high on psychedelic drugs such as NBOMes is often referred to as ‘tripping’. 

NBOMes might be referred to as: 

• N-Bomb 
• Bom-25 
• 2C-I-NBOMe 
• 25-I-NBOMe 
• 25I 
• Smiley Paper 

NBOMes are sometimes incorrectly sold as ‘LSD’ by dealers – but they are much stronger, can be even more unpredictable and sometimes fatal. They can put pressure on your heart and circulatory system, which might cause heart failure. Some people may experience a high temperature or seizure. 

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance if you notice someone has any of the following symptoms after taking a psychedelic substance such as an NBOMe: 

• Seizure
• Chest pain 
• Putting themselves or others at risk of harm 
• Paranoia (being constantly and overly anxious about something) 
• Intense agitation, panic or distress 
• Increased risk taking 

This list is not exhaustive, if something doesn’t seem right then seek immediate medical help. Provide as much information as possible about the drug you think they’ve taken – such as the amount and timing. 

How do NBOMes make people feel?

NBOMes can make people: 

• Euphoric 
• Giggly 
• Amazed by the objects around them 
• Hallucinate (see and hear things that aren’t there) 

But they can also cause: 

• Confusion 
• Anxiety 
• Fear 
• Body tremors or shaking
• Sickness and/or nausea 
• Insomnia
• Overwhelm 
• Paranoia 
• Aggression, in some circumstances 

NBOMe trips can be intense, unpredictable and long-lasting. There’s no way of knowing how you will feel or how long the trip might last before you take it.  

Once you start tripping it’s very difficult to control the effects until the drug wears off. They can last up to 10 hours, depending on how much you’ve taken and your size. Some people can even experience short-term ‘flashbacks’ months or years after the drug has worn off. 

NBOMes are very strong so not much is needed to have a large effect. The doses can be unpredictable because the drug itself is usually dropped onto small strips of paper known as ‘tabs’, which are then dissolved in the mouth. Some tabs might be stronger than others, even when purchased from the same source.

NBOMes can also be sold as pills, powder, liquid or spray – with some being stronger than others even when purchased from the same source. 

Drugs such as NBOMes can take a couple of hours or more to have an effect. Never take an additional dose of a drug if you’re still waiting for it to take effect. 

Sometimes NBOMes are mixed with other drugs by dealers to reduce costs, which can cause added unpredictable and dangerous effects. 

Mixing NBOMes with other drugs, including alcohol, can be extremely dangerous and further increase the risk of harm. Learn more about these effects here.

Psychedelics such as NBOMes can have serious long-term effects on mental wellbeing, read more here.

The law

NBOMes are Class A drugs. This means they are illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell. 

Possession can get you up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. 

Supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you life in prison, an unlimited fine or both. 

Like drink driving, driving whilst high is dangerous and illegal. Being caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can result in a large fine, driving ban and/or prison sentence.  

Some drugs can stay at detectable levels in your system for days or weeks after you’ve taken them. 

How to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.

• w: Talk to Frank - NBOMes
  
• w: Health for Teens - The effects of psychedelic drugs on mental health
  
• w: Health for Teens - LSD