Drug Exposé: 2C-B
You might have heard 2C-B referenced in songs or mentioned by festival-goers. Yet, most people still don’t know much about this fascinating drug. 2C-B, the most well-known drug in the 2C-x family, was first synthesized by psychedelic legend Alexander Shulgin in 1974. He referred to 2C-B as his personal favorite out of all the drugs he produced, describing it as "extraordinarily comfortable and quite erotic."
While not popular around my own circle of friends, it’s been popping up in my mind increasingly over the past few months, so I decided to do a deep dive into this compound, as well as give it a try myself. For, you know. Science. If Shulgin experimented on himself with all of his substances, I figured I should see what it feels like for me too.
What is it?
2C-B, or 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine, is a psychedelic phenethylamine derived from mescaline. Originally marketed as an aphrodisiac, it was first sold commercially under the name Erox by German pharmaceutical company Drittewelle, and was then sold in nightclubs and head shops under the names Nexus, Performax, and B-Dub. Some ravers have decided to substitute 2C-B instead of MDMA because of the differing effects.
*Note: 2C-B is not to be confused with “Tusi,” or “pink cocaine,” a pink MDMA/ketamine/caffeine/food colouring mix popular in Colombia. We’ll report on that one later.
How is it taken?
2C-B is typically taken orally. Common recreational doses range between 15 mg - 25 mg, with the effective dose starting at 10 mg. Strong doses are anywhere between 25 mg - 35 mg, with extreme doses exceeding 35 mg. Alexander Shulgin reported in his book, PiHKAL, that a psychologist once took 100mg without any adverse effects. 2C-B, like most other powdered substances, can be snorted, but it is apparently very painful and generally not recommended.
What does it feel like?
Little academic research has been done on 2C-B, but there are many trip reports available to deduce this information. Many users describe the experience as a mix of LSD and MDMA. Users report visual aspects like surrounding scenery changing colors and becoming wave-like, as well as trails of light being left behind moving objects, commonly referred to as “tracers.” Other effects include excessive laughing and smiling, loss of coordination or balance, and changes in visual perception.
Similar to MDMA, many users say that 2C-B relieves them of anxiety and gives them a general feeling of euphoria. The main difference between these two drugs is the visual aspect, with 2C-B being more similar to LSD in that regard.
The average duration ranges anywhere from 4 - 8 hours, depending on the dose. Onset happens at around 45 minutes after consumption, while the peak lasts between 2 -4 hours, and the comedown lasts roughly 1 - 2 hours. The comedown is often described as gradual and easy without any sort of crash that can be associated with other drugs. Speaking from my personal experience with a 20 mg dose, the duration was right around 6 - 7 hours, and the comedown was very smooth.
2C-B is extremely dose-sensitive; an increase of dosage of just a few milligrams can have a drastic effect on the trip. It’s recommended that first timers start low and to not “eyeball” the dose.
How do you get it and how much does it cost?
2C-B can be purchased from dealers or online as a research chemical, however, based on my personal experience, it’s not commonly stocked by most psychedelic dealers, but at the same time, I’ve never been actively looking for it either. One website selling it as a research chemical had it listed online at $80 for 1 gram. A friend of mine in the States who has some told me that he would sell a 25 mg capsule for around $10, while in Canada the going rate is closer to $20 for 20 mg. If purchasing substances online, be careful and do a lot of research before buying and consuming.
Is it legal?
2C-B is not currently legal anywhere based on my research. The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs added 2C-B to its list of Schedule II drugs on March 20, 2001. In the United States, it is a Schedule I drug.
Bad Trips
Like any psychedelic, bad trips are always a possibility, which is why practicing proper set and setting and knowing your dose are so vital. From my research, no deaths have been reported because of 2C-B consumption, but that’s not to say it isn’t possible. Most bad trip reports that I can find involving 2C-B seem to be because of too high of a dose (40+ mg) or mixing 2C-B with other drugs, such as cannabis or alcohol.
2C-B typically doesn’t play well with other drugs in general. Mixing it with painkiller Tramadol increases the risks of seizure, while taking it at the same time as MDMA, instead of giving you a super high, just gives you a bad time, as they have antagonistic mechanisms of function. 2C-B should never be taken in conjunction with ayahuasca, changa, or anything else containing an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor). Likewise, mixing 2C-B with cannabis, cocaine, meth, or really any other stimulant leads to a typically less-than-pleasant high. If you plan to take it, it’s likely best to enjoy the ride on its own.
Harm reduction
When experimenting with new drugs and substances, it’s important to prioritize your safety, even above your curiosity.
Don’t mix drugs
Experiment and do an allergy and reaction test with a small dose first
Do a lot of research so you know what dose you want to try and have an idea of what you’re getting yourself into
Consider having a trip sitter around you for your first time or let someone know what you’re doing
Make sure you’re in the right mindset and environmental setting
Test your substances to make sure the synthesis is pure and contains no potentially toxic or harmful additives
Only go for these obscure phenethylamines if you already have a lot of prior psychedelic experience.
Know your dose, pay attention to research and instructions, and measure responsibly.
References and further reading:
Self-Experimenters: Psychedelic Chemist Explores the Surreality of Inner Space, One Drug at a Time
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Cam Leids is an entrepreneur and a psychonaut through and through. He’s the host of The TripSitting Podcast and the founder of Conscious Retreats, a company that helps people find the best retreat center for their psychedelic journeys. He loves all things psychedelics-related, from the mental health and spiritual aspects to the downright crazy and nonsensical trips. He’s always down to hear and talk about it all.
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