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

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

Psychedelic

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.

None ².

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.

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

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 systembrain and spinal cord that plays a key role in stimulating mood, appetite and sleep regulation. Unlike other hallucinogenic drugs, the stimulationcan be defined as any changes in a person's energy levels which are interpreted as stimulating and encouraging when it comes to movement and physical activities such as running, walking, cleaning, socializing, dancing, and climbing More of these receptorsnerve endings that sense changes in the body More 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.

• swallowed – tablets/capsules are swallowed (ingested),
• snorted – usually divided into lines and snorted (insufflatedInsufflating, commonly referred to as snorting, is a method of drug administration where powdered substances are inhaled through the nose. More) 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, insufflatedInsufflating, commonly referred to as snorting, is a method of drug administration where powdered substances are inhaled through the nose. More 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.

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhoeaWhere you frequently pass watery or loose faeces,
• wind (also known as flatusintestinal gas being expelled from the backside, also called, wind, gas, or a fart! More),
• muscle tension or spasms,
• headaches,
• increased heartbeat,
• increased blood pressure,
• confusiontrouble focusing, slow or disorganised thinking, poor short-term memory, unsure of time or place, or having difficulty following a conversation or disorientation,
• inability to concentrate,
• dehydration,
• delirium ¹⁰.

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 are not that common in Britain so facts about purity are difficult to get hold of ³.

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 seizuresthe outward effect can vary from uncontrolled jerking movement (tonic-clonic seizure) to as subtle as a momentary loss of awareness More, particularly in those who are predisposed to them.
• Stimulants – Stimulants affect many parts of the brain. Combined with psychedelics, stimulationcan be defined as any changes in a person's energy levels which are interpreted as stimulating and encouraging when it comes to movement and physical activities such as running, walking, cleaning, socializing, dancing, and climbing More can turn into uncontrollable anxiety, panic, thought loops and paranoiasuspicion, distrust or fear of other people. 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 seizuresthe outward effect can vary from uncontrolled jerking movement (tonic-clonic seizure) to as subtle as a momentary loss of awareness More and psychosis due to its glutaminergic and GABAergic effects ⁴.

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.

• Cannabis – When used in combination with cannabis, both the visual and cognitive effectsThis refer to impairments in mental processes like memory, learning, decision-making, and problem-solving. These effects can make it harder to function in daily life and may persist even after stopping drug use. More 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, confusiontrouble focusing, slow or disorganised thinking, poor short-term memory, unsure of time or place, or having difficulty following a conversation and psychosis producing aspects of cannabis significantly.
• Dissociatives – When used in combination with dissociatives, the geometrybest described as the experience of a person's field of vision being partially or completely encompassed by fast-moving, colourful and indescribably complex geometric patterns, form constants, phosphenes, shapes, fractals, structures and colour. These geometric forms can also become structured and organised in a way that presents genuine information to the person experiencing it far beyond the perception of meaningless, although complex, shapes and colours. This happens through the experience of innately understood geometric representations that feel as though they depict specific concepts and neurological components that exist within the brain in a manner that is extremely detailed. More, euphoriafeelings of joy and happiness, 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 hallucinationsbest described as the perception of imagery and scenes which are experienced exclusively within a layer in front of one's open or closed eye vision and not seamlessly within the external environment around oneself. At lower levels, internal hallucinations begin with imagery which does not take up the entirety of one's visual field and is distinctively separate from its background. These can be described as spontaneous moving or still images of scenes, concepts, places, and anything one could imagine. They are manifested in varying levels of detail, ranging from ill-defined and cartoon-like in nature to completely realistic and beyond realism through seemingly impossible, non-euclidean geometric forms. They rarely hold their form for more than a few seconds before fading or shifting into another image. More, and corresponding confusiontrouble focusing, slow or disorganised thinking, poor short-term memory, unsure of time or place, or having difficulty following a conversation 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 euphoriafeelings of joy and happiness that can result often leads to the urge to compulsively redose.
• MDMASee Ecstasy More – When used in conjunction with MDMASee Ecstasy More, the physical and cognitive effectsThis refer to impairments in mental processes like memory, learning, decision-making, and problem-solving. These effects can make it harder to function in daily life and may persist even after stopping drug use. More of MDMASee Ecstasy More are amplified. The visual, physical and cognitive effectsThis refer to impairments in mental processes like memory, learning, decision-making, and problem-solving. These effects can make it harder to function in daily life and may persist even after stopping drug use. More 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 fatiguea feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy. More 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 amnesiainability to remember 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.

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 tolerancethis is the process by which the receptors in your brain become habituated to the action of a drug. When tolerance is reached, more of the drug is required to achieve the same effect. With benzodiazepines, and probably with many other classes of drugs as well, tolerance is virtually always associated with some degree of physical dependence. If you find that you are experiencing tolerance, this is a clear warning sign that you may have formed a dependence. More 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.

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.

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 hallucinationswhere someone sees, hears, smells, tastes or feels things that don't exist outside of their mind 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 MDMASee Ecstasy More 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 DEAUS Drug Enforcement Administration More reported it to be sold in Miami, FL as yellow pills marketed as an aphrodisiaca substance that enhances sexual desires More.

After MDMASee Ecstasy More 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 aphrodisiaca substance that enhances sexual desires More 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.