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2C-B (& other 2C-type drugs)

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Also known as

Nexus, bees, venus, bromo mescaline, BDMPEA, 2cb, 2-CB, tripstacy, T-7, seventh-heaven, 7-UP, 2CT, 2CI, 2CE, 2C-T-7, 7th heaven, beautiful, blue mystic, lucky 7

Classification

Psychedelic

Overview

2C-B is a psychedelic drug that changes the way the brain sees things and alters thoughts. The 2C family also includes: 2C-I, 2C-D, 2C-E [1].

Medical usage

None [2].

What does it look like?

It is found as white powder or tablets/capsules [1]. 2C drugs are normally sold as pills or powders, usually a white powder, but this could vary. For example, 2CB and 2CT-7 have been sold as white powders or tiny 5mg pills. A liquid form of 2CI has been reported in Denmark and the US [3].

Street price

Prices vary from region to region but may be around £2 - £5 for 2C-Bs £3 per pill for 2CT-7s [3].

Why take it?

Sought after effects

Effects are similar to, but less intense than, LSD and mushrooms -

  • senses become distorted - e.g. you may taste things that you can see…
  • changes to time, space and meaning [1],
  • hallucinations,
  • altered state of consciousness,
  • mild euphoria,
  • distortions in the perception of time [2].

Undesired effects

  • unwanted visions and distorted thoughts can be frightening - 'bad trip',
  • can negatively affect people who have mental health problems [1],
  • feelings of general discomfort,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • itching,
  • prolonged tensing of muscles and shuddering,
  • headaches,
  • irritability,
  • diarrhoea [2].

Dosage

Abuse

Oral

  • threshold - 2 - 10 mg,
  • light - 10 - 20 mg [4], 5 - 15 mg [5].
  • common - 20 - 35 mg [4], 15 - 30 mg [5].
  • strong - 35 - 55 mg [4], 30 - 50 mg [5].
  • heavy - 55 mg + [4], 50 mg + [5].

Insufflated or rectally

  • light - 5 - 10 mg,
  • common - 10 - 20 mg,
  • strong - 20 - 30 mg,
  • heavy - 30 mg + [5].

How long do its effects last?

Onset of effects

  • oral - 45 - 75 minutes [4], 20 - 75 minutes [5].
  • insufflated - 1 - 10 minutes [5],
  • rectally - 5 - 20 minutes [5].

Come up

  • oral - 15 - 30 minutes [4].

Peak

  • oral - 2 - 4 hours [4].

Offset

  • oral - 1 - 2 hours [4].

Duration of effects

  • oral - 4 - 8 hours [4], [5],
  • insufflated - 2 - 4 hours [5],
  • rectally - 3 - 5 hours [5].

After-effects

  • oral - 2 - 4 hours [4], [5],
  • insufflated - 2 - 4 hours [5],
  • rectally - 2 - 4 hours [5].

Pharmacology

There is not much information regarding the pharmacological action of 2C-B and other 2C hallucinogenic drugs despite first being synthesised many years ago.

In common with other hallucinogenic drugs, 2C-B and other 2C drugs bind to a specific type of serotonin receptor. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter mainly present in the central nervous system that plays a key role the stimulating mood, appetite and sleep regulation. Unlike other hallucinogenic drugs, the stimulation of these receptors by 2C-B and other 2C compounds is greatly reduced, if not inhibited.

Some evidence suggests that the hallucinogenic effects of the 2C compounds are produced through binding with a different type of serotonin receptor, though this is yet to be confirmed [1].

Unlike most psychedelics, 2C-B has been shown to be a low efficacy serotonin 5-HT2A receptor partial agonist [6] or even full antagonist [7]. This suggests that the 5-HT2C receptor is primarily responsible for mediating the effects experienced by users of 2C-B [6]. Research also suggests that 2C-B increases dopamine levels in the brains of rats which may contribute to its psychoactivity [8], [4].

Lethal dosage

There is no current data for the LD50 of 2C-B, but it is thought to be considerably higher than the active dose. Alexander Shulgin reported a 100 mg oral dose taken without apparent harm [9], [4].

Toxicity

The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational 2C-B use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context, and the exact toxic dosage is unknown. Anecdotal evidence from people who have tried 2C-B within the psychedelic community suggests that there are no negative health effects attributed to trying this drug, but nothing can be completely guaranteed [4].

Tolerance

2C-B is not habit-forming and the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. It is most often self-regulating.

Tolerance to the effects of 2C-B are not built almost immediately after ingestion as with other psychedelics. There are many anecdotal reports of people ingesting this substance many days in a row with no immediate tolerance build up [4].

How is it taken?

  • swallowed - tablets/capsules are swallowed (ingested),
  • snorted - usually divided into lines and snorted (insufflated) via rolled up paper or 'bumped'/'keyed' i.e. small amount sniffed [1].

The drug is usually taken orally, but can also be taken by rectal or intravenous administration, insufflated or vaporised [4]. Users tend to swallow several pills at a time, or snort them. Other ways of taking drugs, such as by smoking, appear to be less common [3].

Signs of usage

  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • diarrhoea,
  • wind (also known as flatus),
  • muscle tension or spasms,
  • headaches,
  • increased heartbeat,
  • increased blood pressure,
  • confusion or disorientation,
  • inability to concentrate,
  • dehydration,
  • delirium [10].

Effects

Physical effects

  • physical euphoria,
  • pupil dilation,
  • spontaneous physical sensations,
  • bodily control enhancement,
  • stimulation,
  • tactile enhancement,
  • dehydration,
  • increased blood pressure,
  • increased heart rate,
  • increased perspiration,
  • nausea,
  • teeth grinding [4].

Cognitive effects

  • conceptual thinking,
  • delusions,
  • perception of eternalism,
  • time distortion,
  • analysis enhancement,
  • creativity enhancement,
  • emotionality enhancement,
  • empathy, affection and sociability enhancement,
  • immersion enhancement,
  • increased libido,
  • increased music appreciation,
  • increased sense of humour,
  • novelty enhancement,
  • rejuvenation,
  • thought acceleration,
  • thought connectivity,
  • wakefulness,
  • memory suppression,
  • personal bias suppression,
  • existential self-realisation,
  • perception of eternalism,
  • perception of interdependent opposites,
  • perception of predeterminism,
  • perception of self-design,
  • spirituality enhancement,
  • unity and interconnectedness [4].

Visual effects

  • acuity enhancement,
  • colour enhancement,
  • magnification,
  • pattern recognition enhancement,
  • after images,
  • colour shifting,
  • depth perception distortions,
  • drifting,
  • recursion,
  • scenery slicing,
  • symmetrical texture repetition,
  • tracers,
  • autonomous entities,
  • internal hallucinations,
  • peripheral information misinterpretation,
  • perspective alterations,
  • scenarios and plots,
  • settings, sceneries, and landscapes,
  • transformations [4].

Auditory effects

Multi-sensory

  • synaesthesia [4].

Positive

  • euphoria,
  • giggling,
  • empathy,
  • personal insight,
  • enhanced colours,
  • closed and open eye visuals,
  • enhanced tactile sensation [11].

Neutral

  • decreased appetite,
  • pupil dilation,
  • time dilation [11].

Negative

Risks

2C drugs are not that common in Britain but we do know some of the possible risks -

  • they may cause headaches, nausea and vomiting,
  • panic attacks and even an acute psychosis has been reported,
  • at high doses, more serious confused, agitated or even delirious states have been reported,
  • there is a risk of over-stimulating the heart and circulation,
  • evidence from other drugs like ecstasy and LSD suggest that regular use may leave people tired, low and anxious when they stop using these types of drugs regularly or at high doses,
  • it's not yet known if they cause any long term damage but there have been numerous hospitalisations associated with use of these types of drugs, and a case reported of associated neurological damage and one case of a fatal overdose [3].

2C drugs and alcohol

Mixing 2C drugs with alcohol may have serious consequences - mixing any stimulant drugs and alcohol can substantially increase their risks [3].

Short-term

  • visual disturbances,
  • confusion,
  • panic attacks,
  • high blood pressure,
  • hyperthermia,
  • palpitations,
  • anxiety [2].

Purity

2C drugs are not that common in Britain so facts about purity are difficult to get hold of [3].

Addiction

Can you get addicted

2C drugs are relatively new drugs to the market so currently there's very little information about their addictiveness.

They are not the type of drugs on which people are likely to become physically dependent.

However, both tolerance and psychological dependence have been reported in stimulant drugs, such as ecstasy, that act like 2C drugs [3].

Interactions

2C-B increases dopamine levels and also has an effect on serotonin. Therefore, 2C-B may react negatively with serotonic drugs like anti-depressants and tramadol [11].

Although many substances are safe on their own, they can become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with other substances. The list below contains some common potentially dangerous combinations, but may not include all of them. Certain combinations may be relatively harmless in low doses of each but can still increase the risk of unpredictable injury or death. Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption [4].

  • Tramadol - Tramadol lowers the seizure threshold [12] and psychedelics may act as triggers for seizures, particularly in those who are predisposed to them.
  • Stimulants - Stimulants affect many parts of the brain. Combined with psychedelics, stimulation can turn into uncontrollable anxiety, panic, thought loops and paranoia. This interaction may cause elevated risk of psychosis.
  • Lithium - Lithium is often used as treatment for bipolar disorder. It may possibly cause elevated risk of seizures and psychosis due to its glutaminergic and GABAergic effects [4].

Dangerous

Unsafe

  • Tramadol - Tramadol is well known to lower seizure threshold and psychedelics raise the risk of seizures [5].

Caution

  • Mescaline,
  • DOx,
  • NBOMes,
  • 2C-T-x,
  • 5-MeO-xxT - The 5-MeO psychedelics can interact unpredictably to potentiate other psychedelics
  • Cannabis - Cannabis has an unexpectedly strong and somewhat unpredictable synergy with psychedelics.
  • Amphetamines - The anxiogenic and focusing effects of stimulants increase the chance of unpleasant thought loops. The combination is generally uneccessary because of the stimulating effects of psychedelics. Combination of the stimulating effects may be uncomfortable.
  • Cocaine - The anxiogenic and focusing effects of stimulants increase the chance of unpleasant thought loops. The combination is generally unnecessary because of the stimulating effects of psychedelics. Combination of the stimulating effects may be uncomfortable.
  • MAOIs - MAO-B inhibitors can increase the potency and duration of phenethylamines unpredictably [5].

Withdrawal

Mood changes

  • depression,
  • anxiety,
  • paranoia,
  • panic,
  • agitation,
  • suicidal thinking,
  • suicidal behaviour [13].

Physical symptoms

  • tremors,
  • sleep disturbance [13].

Legality

For a '2C' drug to be illegal it must fulfil the criteria set out by the generic definition for the phenethylamine family of drugs.

2CI, 2CE, 2CB and 2CT-7 meet this generic definition and are Class A drugs which means that it's illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell.

Possession can get you up to seven years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

Supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you a life sentence a life sentence in jail and/or an unlimited fine [3].

What if you're caught?

If the Police catch you with a 2C drug, like 2CI, 2CE, 2CB and 2CT-7, they'll always take some action. This could include a formal caution, arrest and prosecution [3].

  • A conviction for a drug-related offence could have a serious impact. It can stop you visiting certain countries - for example the United States - and limit the types of jobs you can apply for [3].

Did you know?

  • Like drinking and driving, driving while impaired by a 2C drug is illegal - you can get a heavy fine, be disqualified from driving or even go to prison.
  • Allowing other people to supply drugs in your house or any other premises is illegal. If the police catch people supplying illegal drugs in a club they can potentially prosecute the landlord, club owner or any person concerned in the management of the premises [3].

Mixing with other drugs

  • Cannabis - When used in combination with cannabis, both the visual and cognitive effects of 2C-B can be intensified and extended with extreme efficiency. This should be used with extreme caution if one is not experienced with psychedelics as this can also amplify the anxiety, confusion and psychosis producing aspects of cannabis significantly.
  • Dissociatives - When used in combination with dissociatives, the geometry, euphoria, dissociation and hallucinatory effects are often greatly enhanced. Dissociative-induced holes, spaces, and voids while under the influence of 2C-B have significantly more vivid visuals than dissociatives alone present, and more intense internal hallucinations, and corresponding confusion which can spontaneously manifest as delusions and psychosis.
  • Nitrous oxide ("Laughing gas") - is commonly used in combination with psychedelics. The two are known to possess powerful cross-synergistic effects, including the capacity to send the user directly into an "ego death" state. The speed and intensity with which this occurs is very rapid and the euphoria that can result often leads to the urge to compulsively redose.
  • MDMA - When used in conjunction with MDMA, the physical and cognitive effects of MDMA are amplified. The visual, physical and cognitive effects of 2C-B are also intensified with an overwhelming euphoric pleasure manifested through uniquely pleasurable body highs and headspaces, and uniquely colourful and awe-inspiring visuals. The synergy between these substances is unpredictable, and it is best to start with markedly lower dosages than one would take for both substances individually. Additionally, users should be aware that there are reasons to believe that this combination may result in unforeseen neurotoxic effects, so a strong sense of caution and independent research are highly advised if one decides to experiment with this combination.
  • Alcohol - This interaction is not typically recommended due to alcohol's ability to cause dehydration and nausea and physical fatigue which can negatively affect a trip if taken in moderate to high dosages. This combination is, however, reasonably safe in low doses and can often "take the edge off" a trip as well as dull its psychedelic effects in a fashion somewhat similar to benzodiazepines, albeit in a more physically taxing way.
  • Benzodiazepines - When used in combination with benzodiazepines, benzodiazepines can, depending on the dosage, slightly to completely reduce the intensity of the cognitive, physical and visual effects of an 2C-B experience. They are very efficient at stopping "bad trips" at the cost of amnesia and reduced trip intensity. Caution is advised when acquiring them for this purpose due to the very high dependence and addiction potential that benzodiazepines possess.
  • Psychedelics - When used in combination with other psychedelics, each substance's physical, cognitive and visual effects intensify and synergise strongly. The synergy between those substances is unpredictable, and for this reason generally not advised. If choosing to combine psychedelics, it is recommended to start with significantly lower dosages than one would take for either substance individually [4].

Harm reduction

2C-I is sometimes mistaken for 25I-N-BOMe (sometimes referred to as 2C-I-NBOMe) due to their similar appearance, effects and names. 25I, however, is far more potent than 2C-I, and as a result should be taken at much lower doses than 25I

2C-B is not known to be physically addictive, but like all such substances a user can develop a psychological dependence (feeling like they need to keep taking it). A short term tolerance can build up if it is used for two or more days in a row, but this will reduce fairly quickly. If you're a regular user, it's therefore advisable to have a break of a few days each week, or longer if you start to notice any side-effects or that the drug is no longer taking effect.

2C-B can interact negatively with several types of medication, particularly certain anti-depressants, so if you are taking these it is advisable to avoid using 2C-B.

If you have any mental health problems, or are going through a particularly emotionally difficult part of your life, you should think very carefully about taking any of the 2C drugs. The experiences they produce can be frightening and overwhelming to inexperienced users, and can trigger panic attacks or episodes of psychosis in those vulnerable to them.

As 2C-B is often used as a 'party drug' along the lines of Ecstasy, users can get a rush that will make them feel they need to dance; it is important to remember that you will become dehydrated very quickly when being very active, particularly in a hot place like a club or party, so it is important to stay hydrated, drink water regularly, and try not to drink too much alcohol, avoid it if possible.

  • it's easy to get disorientated, so make sure you're somewhere you feel safe, with people you know and trust, and that you know how to get home,
  • 2C-B can make you feel very emotionally open and tactile (wanting to feel contact with other people) so be aware of your surroundings, stay close to friends (or at least make sure they know where you are), don't go off alone with people you don't completely trust and if you have a drink, keep it with you at all times [1].

Paraphernalia

If the drug is snorted - a razor blade will be used to chop it in to lines on a hard level surface such as a mirror or a sheet of glass or a tile [2].

History

2C-B was first synthesised in the lab of Alexander Shulgin in 1974, with the results published in a paper with Michael Carter in 1975. In the 1980's it began to be sold as an alternative to MDMA, but was quickly recognised to have interesting properties in its own right.

Shulgin continued to experiment with derivatives of the 2C base, and the numerous other letters that are linked to it have produced varying degrees of psychedelic effect. However, most have very little recorded history of human consumption and are not regularly found for sale, so it is not practical to discuss them separately in depth. 2C-T-7 ('Blue Mystic') is the only other to have had a notable, though brief, spell of popularity as an internet-sold drug around the turn of the millennium. It is a powerful psychedelic taken orally (snorting it creates a serious risk of overdose, and has been associated with several deaths) noted for the vivid and colourful hallucinations it can produce [1].

2C-B was first synthesised and discovered by Alexander Shulgin in 1974. He later published his findings on 2C-B in his 1991 book PiHKAL [9], and included it among the "magical half dozen" of psychedelic phenethylamines he deemed most important [14]. In interviews, Alexander Shulgin has repeatedly declared it his favourite psychedelic trip [15].

In the 1970s, 2C-B was used in patients by a small number of psychotherapists in the United States. These therapists reported the drug created a warm, empathetic bond between them and their patients. The therapists also said the drug helped break down a patient's ego defenses and inner resistances, allowing the patient to get in touch with suppressed emotions and repressed memories [16]. The gentle nature of 2C-B, in addition to its mild side-effects and short duration, was found to be desirable traits for in the therapeutic setting.

Not long after the drug gained traction in the medical community, 2C-B became popular in the recreational drug scene. 2C-B was well liked as an MDMA substitute ideal for raves and parties with minimal comedown and a clear euphoric headspace.

In the 1980's and early 1990's, several foreign companies legitimately manufactured 2C-B under the brand names Nexus, Erox, and Performax and advertised that it would alleviate impotence, frigidity, and diminished libido. It was sold at adult book and video stores, "head" shops, and some nightclubs. The DEA reported it to be sold in Miami, FL as yellow pills marketed as an aphrodisiac.

After MDMA was classified as Schedule I by the United States in 1985, 2C-B gained popularity as an alternative to the now illegal party drug. Its increasing popularity caused it to be placed in Schedule I in 1995 [17]. Its use has since seen a resurgence due to the advent of online research chemical vendors.

2C-B is used as entheogen by the Sangoma, Nyanga, and Amagqirha people over their traditional plants; they refer to the chemical as Ubulawu Nomathotholo, which roughly translates to "Medicine of the Singing Ancestors" [18], [4].

2C-B was first synthesised in 1974 by Alexander Shulgin, and it first saw use among the psychiatric community as an aid during therapy. It was considered one of the best drugs for this purpose because of its short duration, relative absence of side-effects, and comparably mild nature. Shortly after becoming popular in the medical community, it became popular recreationally. 2C-B was first sold commercially as an aphrodisiac under the trade name "Eros", which was manufactured by the German pharmaceutical company Drittewelle. For many years after it was available as tablets in Dutch smart shops under the name "Nexus" [11].


References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 2C-B (& other 2C-type drugs), 2017, http://www.release.org.uk/drugs/2c-b-other-2c-type-drugs
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2CE, 2013, http://www.dan247.org.uk/Drug_2CE.asp
  3. 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 2C, 2017, http://www.talktofrank.com/drug/2c
  4. 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 4.19 4.20 4.21 4.22 4.23 2C-B, 2017, https://psychonautwiki.org/wiki/2C-B
  5. 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 5.16 2C-B, 2017, http://drugs.tripsit.me/2c-b
  6. 6.0 6.1 Moya, P. R. and Berg, K. A. and Gutiérrez-Hernandez, M. A. and Sáez-Briones, P. and Reyes-Parada, M. and Cassels, B. K. and Clarke, W. P., Functional Selectivity of Hallucinogenic Phenethylamine and Phenylisopropylamine Derivatives at Human 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2A and 5-HT2C Receptors, Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 2007, 321, 3, 1054-1061, https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.106.117507, http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/321/3/1054
  7. Villalobos, C. A. and Bull, P. and Sáez, P. and Cassels, B. K. and Huidobro-Toro, J. P., 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B) and structurally related phenylethylamines are potent 5-HT2A receptor antagonists in Xenopus laevis oocytes, British Journal of Pharmacology, 2004, 141, 7, 1167-1174, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjp.0705722, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/sj.bjp.0705722/abstract
  8. Páleníček, T., Fujáková, M., Brunovský, M. et all, Behavioral, neurochemical and pharmaco-EEG profiles of the psychedelic drug 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B) in rats, Psychopharmacology, 2013, 225, 1, 75-93, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00213-012-2797-7, https://link.springer.com/article/10.10072Fs00213-012-2797-7
  9. 9.0 9.1 Shulgin, A. and Shulgin, A., Erowid Online Books: "PIHKAL" - The Chemical Story, 1991, https://www.erowid.org/library/books_online/pihkal/pihkal.shtml
  10. 2C-B / 2C-T-7, 2017, https://drugfree.org/drug/2c-b-2c-t-7/
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 2C-B, 2017, https://wiki.tripsit.me/wiki/2C-B
  12. Talaie, H. and Panahandeh, R. and Fayaznouri, M. R. and Asadi, Z. and Abdollahi, M., Dose-independent occurrence of seizure with tramadol, Journal of Medical Toxicology, 2009, 5, 2, 63-67, https://dx.doi.org/10.10072FBF03161089, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19415589
  13. 13.0 13.1 Synthetic Hallucinogens, 2017, http://www.castlecraig.co.uk/resources/drugs/types-drugs/synthetic-hallucinogens
  14. Shulgin, A. and Shulgin, A., Phenethylamines I Have Known And Loved, 2016, http://isomerdesign.com/PiHKAL/read.php?id=20
  15. Biello, D., Self-Experimenters: Psychedelic Chemist Explores the Surreality of Inner Space, One Drug at a Time, Scientific American, 2008, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/self-experimenter-chemist-explores-new-psychedelics/
  16. Wells, K. R., 2C-B (Nexus), 2017, http://www.encyclopedia.com/science/applied-and-social-sciences-magazines/2c-b-nexus
  17. 2C-B (Nexus) Reappears on the Club Drug Scene, 2001, https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs0/665/
  18. History of Nexus, 2016, http://www.tacethno.com/info/2cb/2cbhistory.html