Short answer: 2C-B is a synthetic psychedelic related to mescaline, first made in 1974. It is Schedule I. Effects shift sharply with small dose changes, and pills or powders sold as 2C-B may contain far more dangerous NBOMe compounds. 'Pink cocaine' or 'tusi' is usually a mix of ketamine, MDMA, and other drugs, not 2C-B.
Key takeaways
- What it is: 2C-B is a psychedelic phenethylamine and a Schedule I controlled substance in the US.
- Medical use: none accepted in the US.
- Timing: effects start in 20 to 90 minutes and last 4 to 8 hours.
- Most dangerous mix: Lithium, which can cause seizures.
- Naloxone: it does not reverse this drug, but give it whenever opioids could be involved.
- Dependence risk: Low.
- Legal route: none. Schedule I substances cannot be prescribed.
What is 2C-B?
2C-B was synthesized by chemist Alexander Shulgin in 1974 and was briefly sold in the 1980s as an aphrodisiac before being scheduled.
2C-B causes visual changes, heightened colors and sensations, euphoria, and, at higher doses, intense hallucinations. Physical effects include nausea, chills, and a faster heart rate.
Quick facts
| Fact | 2C-B |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine |
| Drug class | Psychedelic phenethylamine (2C family); serotonin 5-HT2A agonist |
| US legal status | Schedule I (since 1995) |
| Forms | Pills, capsules, powder |
| Onset | 20 to 90 minutes by mouth |
| Duration | 4 to 8 hours |
| Related drugs | Mescaline, 2C-I, 2C-E, NBOMe compounds |
How long does 2C-B last?
- Starts working: 20 to 90 minutes
- Effects last: 4 to 8 hours
Usually 4 to 8 hours.
Timing varies with the dose, the form, how it is taken, liver and kidney function, age, and other drugs taken at the same time.
What are the biggest risks of 2C-B?
Counterfeits: drugs sold as 2C-B or LSD sometimes contain NBOMe compounds, which have caused seizures, dangerous overheating, and deaths at tiny doses.
Mixtures: tusi mixtures combine dissociatives, stimulants, and sometimes opioids, with unpredictable and dangerous effects.
Psychological harm: panic, confusion, and risky behavior; triggering of psychosis in vulnerable people.
What should you never mix with 2C-B?
| Combined with | What happens | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium | Seizures | Dangerous |
| MAO inhibitors | Dangerously strong effects | Dangerous |
| Stimulants and MDMA | Heart strain, overheating | High risk |
| SSRIs | Usually blunted effects | Caution |
| Alcohol and cannabis | Nausea, anxiety, and confusion | Caution |
Check any combination with the DoseUses combination checker or ask a pharmacist.
What are the signs of a 2C-B overdose, and what should you do?
High doses or NBOMe counterfeits can cause severe agitation, high temperature, seizures, and heart problems. Tusi mixtures can cause unconsciousness and choking.
If someone is having a dangerous reaction
- Call 911 for a seizure, chest pain, a very high temperature, trouble breathing, unresponsiveness, or if the person may harm themselves or others.
- Move them to a quiet, safe place away from roads, water, heights, and crowds. Stay with them and speak calmly.
- Do not leave the person alone and do not give them other drugs or alcohol to calm them down.
- If they become unresponsive, place them on their side and give naloxone in case opioids are involved.
Is 2C-B addictive?
2C-B is not considered physically addictive and does not cause a withdrawal syndrome. Tolerance builds quickly with repeated use.
- Hours to daysAfterglow or come-downTiredness, emotional sensitivity, or low mood can follow.
- Days to weeksIntegrationSome people have lingering anxiety or distressing memories that benefit from support.
- Rarely, monthsPersisting effectsA small number of people have lasting perception changes (HPPD) or mental health problems.
See the withdrawal timelines and the full 2C-B withdrawal guide.
Is 2C-B legal?
2C-B was placed in Schedule I in 1995. Possessing, making, or selling it is a federal crime, and related 2C compounds were added in 2012.
- Possession: under federal law, a first conviction for possessing any controlled substance without a valid prescription can bring up to one year in prison and a minimum fine of $1,000.
Outside the United States
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Class A |
| Colombia | Controlled; tusi is widespread |
| International | Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances (since 2001) |
Frequently asked questions about 2C-B
Is pink cocaine 2C-B?
Usually not. Testing of tusi typically finds ketamine, MDMA, and other drugs, with little or no 2C-B or cocaine.
How long does 2C-B last?
Usually 4 to 8 hours.
What are NBOMes?
Very potent psychedelics sometimes sold as 2C-B or LSD. They have caused deaths at small doses.
Is 2C-B addictive?
It is not considered physically addictive.
Is 2C-B legal?
No. It is Schedule I in the US and controlled internationally.
Sources
- Psychedelic and Dissociative Drugs, National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- "Tuci", "happy water", and "k-powdered milk": novel forms of ketamine drug products, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Early Warning Advisory, December 2022.
- Controlled Substance Schedules, DEA Diversion Control Division.
- 21 U.S.C. 844, Penalties for simple possession, Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School.
- National Helpline, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- FindTreatment.gov, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- International drug control conventions, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
This guide summarizes the sourced DoseUses 2C-B profile, written from FDA labels, DEA rules, and federal health agencies. It is educational and is not medical advice. Last updated October 5, 2026.
