2C-B at a glance: schedule, half-life, and class
- 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
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.[1]
'Tusi' or 'pink cocaine', a pink powder spreading since the late 2010s, is named after 2C-B ('two-C') but laboratory testing usually finds ketamine, MDMA, caffeine, and other drugs, and rarely any 2C-B.[2]
2C-B effects and how long they last
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.[1]
Small increases in dose can produce much stronger effects, so the line between mild and overwhelming is narrow.
2C-B side effects and risks
Counterfeits: drugs sold as 2C-B or LSD sometimes contain NBOMe compounds, which have caused seizures, dangerous overheating, and deaths at tiny doses.[1]
Mixtures: tusi mixtures combine dissociatives, stimulants, and sometimes opioids, with unpredictable and dangerous effects.[2]
Psychological harm: panic, confusion, and risky behavior; triggering of psychosis in vulnerable people.
2C-B interactions: what is dangerous to mix with it
Choose what it would be combined with:
| 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 |
This is not a full list. Combining substances raises the risk of harm, especially when the contents of street drugs are unknown.
2C-B overdose: signs and what to do
High doses or NBOMe counterfeits can cause severe agitation, high temperature, seizures, and heart problems. Tusi mixtures can cause unconsciousness and choking.[1]
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.[1]
- 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.
Is 2C-B legal in the US? Schedule and legal status
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.[3]
- 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.[4]
Where can someone get help with 2C-B use?
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357. Free, confidential, 24 hours a day, in English and Spanish. It gives referrals to local treatment and support.[5]
- FindTreatment.gov: a federal locator for state-licensed treatment programs, searchable by location, payment, and type of care.[6]
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 for a mental health or substance use crisis.
- Your own clinician: a primary care doctor can screen, treat, and refer, and can discuss medicines that support recovery where they exist.
2C-B legal status in other countries
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Class A |
| Colombia | Controlled; tusi is widespread |
| International | Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances (since 2001) |
Laws change and differ in detail. Check current rules before carrying any controlled medicine across a border.[7]
Common 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.
