2C-B

2C-B (2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine) is the most commonly used substance in the 2C series, a group of synthetic intoxicants derived from the molecular structure of mescaline. 2C-B was first produced in 1974 and was legally sold in "smart shops" in several countries for a long time. It was regulated by the UN in 2001 and is considered a narcotic in Norway today.

At low doses, 2C-B has a mildly stimulating and slightly psychedelic effect that can make the user sociable, empathetic, and giggly. At higher doses, 2C-B is psychedelic and can produce significant visual effects, but it usually results in a less mentally demanding high than LSD or psilocybin mushrooms. 2C-B has some physical side effects that can be unpleasant, and many experience mild trembling, chills, nausea, or muscle tension, especially in the first part of the high. Research suggests that 2C-B is minimally toxic, but overdoses can lead to psychotic reactions and seizures.

2C-B is active in very small amounts, and small increases in dosage make a big difference. 2C-B in powder form also has a consistency that makes it especially difficult to dose by eye. If one has a batch of 2C-B in powder form, it can be dissolved in water and measured with a medical syringe to avoid incorrect dosing. A typical user dose is usually between 10 and 25 mg swallowed, while intake via the nose or rectum only requires about half as much.

Please see our 10 general rules for sensible drug use. You should also be mindful of the following:

• Avoid using 2C-B if you are on medications containing lithium or tramadol, as this can lead to seizures.

• Be cautious with 2C-B if you or someone in your immediate family has a psychotic disorder.

• Stick to low doses if you are inexperienced with psychedelics.

• If you take a higher dose: Assess your mood, situation, surroundings, and who you are with. You should have the option to go to another, safe place if necessary. Put away your phone and make sure you have no appointments or tasks. It may be wise to have a fast-acting benzodiazepine (e.g., diazepam) on hand in case of panic attacks. Knowing that you have it can also reduce the risk of anxiety.

• If you experience anxiety: Change your surroundings or music, breathe calmly, and do not resist. If you feel like you're losing grip, ask a friend to talk to you. Have diazepam or similar readily available in case the situation becomes unmanageable.

• Be cautious about combining 2C-B with cannabis. This can lead to anxiety and confusion, especially if cannabis is consumed first.

• Preferably avoid combining 2C-B with classical stimulants, such as amphetamine or cocaine. When combining with MDMA, the dose should be reduced for both substances, and 2C-B should be taken a couple of hours after MDMA.

• To dose 2C-B more accurately, dissolve a known amount in water and measure each dose with a medical syringe. Make sure to mix the solution well before dosing, and make sure to store the solution in such a manner that no one could drink it by mistake.

• If not dissolving 2C-B in water, use a scale that is accurate to 2 milligrams or less. Avoid eyeballing the dose, and beware that a small increase in dose can make a large difference with this substance.

We employ a five-step risk scale with values ranging from "very low" to "very high" within six categories: Acute toxicity, Long-term toxicity, Dependence, Cognitive problems, Unpleasant events, and Interactions.

These values are based on qualitative reviews of available knowledge, and should only be viewed as guidelines. They are also relative, so a score of "very low risk" does not mean the substance is risk-free. The scale assumes users are normal, healthy individuals; beware that even drugs which are well-tolerated by most people may nevertheless be harmful to some users. It also assumes normal use patterns; that is, if a given drug is only harmful when used in a certain way, yet is almost never used in that way, then the drug will be considered less harmful compared to a similar drug which is commonly used in a harmful way.


ACUTE TOXICITY

⦿⦿⦾⦾⦾ (Low risk)

There have been no documented overdose deaths from 2C-B since it first became known in the 1980s. The similarity in mechanism of action with classic psychedelics suggests that the substance is likely not lethal in doses one might ingest during normal use. However, it is probably physically possible to ingest a lethal dose, as the substance is active in very small amounts. Therefore, it is important that 2C-B is not stored in a way that someone could accidentally ingest a large amount – for example, if powder dissolved in water is mistaken for a drink.

LONG-TERM TOXICITY

⦿⦿⦾⦾⦾ (Low risk)

No research has been conducted on the long-term effects of 2C-B, but it is similar to classic psychedelics in its mechanism of action. 2C-B is most similar to mescaline, which has been used by Native Americans for at least 6000 years and is assumed to be relatively harmless when used in a traditional manner. There is a possibility that frequent use of 2C-B and other psychedelics can lead to fibrosis of the heart valves with excessive use, as it activates the serotonin receptor subtype 2B. However, not all drugs with this mechanism of action are associated with this side effect (for example, the active ingredient in common nasal spray, oxymetazoline, is not), and it is generally associated with daily use of a substance. Since it is not common to use psychedelics very often, the risk of heart problems is likely low with normal use.

DEPENDENCE

⦿⦿⦾⦾⦾ (Low risk)

2C-B appears to be minimally addictive. Like classic psychedelics, it eventually ceases to produce intoxicating effects with daily use. However, tolerance is built more slowly and apparently lasts shorter for 2C-B than for classic psychedelics. Animal studies of the mechanism of action may also suggest that 2C-B has a slightly higher potential for dependence than other psychedelics, but addictive use of 2C-B is not documented.

COGNITIVE PROBLEMS

⦿⦿⦾⦾⦾ (Lav risiko)

There seems to be no statistical correlation between the use of psychedelics and mental disorders at the population level when adjusting for known confounders. However, it is possible to experience transient anxiety, confusion, or delusions during intoxication. This usually occurs as a result of using too high doses or when the surroundings or circumstances are unfavorable. People with mental disorders or a familial vulnerability to psychosis should nevertheless be cautious with psychedelics.

Some may experience visual disturbances or mild synesthesia for a longer period after using 2C-B or other psychedelics. It is unclear to what extent this is an effect of the drugs, and similar symptoms have been documented in people with anxiety who have not used drugs. However, some report that they more easily experience this with substances in the 2C series than with other psychedelics. Most people who use 2C-B do not experience such symptoms, and the condition usually resolves itself if one abstains from all drugs for a while. Treatment with the medication lamotrigine has been effective in some cases.

UNDESIRABLE EVENTS

⦿⦿⦿⦾⦾ (Moderate risk)

High doses of 2C-B produce a strong psychedelic high that can make the user confused and unable to take care of themselves. This increases the risk of accidents, especially in unsafe environments or during activities that require mental presence.

INTERACTIONS

⦿⦿⦾⦾⦾ (Low risk)

Cocaine should not be combined with substances or drugs that have significant MAOI activity, i.e., those that inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase. This primarily applies to intoxicants such as ayahuasca and changa (where the psychedelic substance DMT is combined with an MAOI substance for extended effect), drugs in the 2C-T series, and atypical antidepressants such as phenelzine and moclobemide. Such combinations can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition where serotonin levels in the brain become too high.

One should avoid combining cocaine with other stimulants, as this increases the risk of overheating and brain damage. Combining it with central depressants can delay an overdose of the depressant until the effects of the cocaine wear off. Therefore, one should be mindful of dosing if using central depressants while under the influence of cocaine. Combining cocaine with tramadol is discouraged, as it can likely lead to seizures.

Combining cocaine with cannabis does not appear to be particularly harmful but can lead to confusion and anxiety during intoxication, and possibly psychotic reactions if one is vulnerable to this. If cocaine is used despite heart problems, this combination should be avoided as it can cause a significant increase in heart rate.

Combining cocaine with psychedelics or dissociatives is usually not problematic as long as one generally tolerates these substances well separately. However, doses should be reduced as the drug effects can be mutually reinforcing. Avoid taking psychedelics on the "comedown" from cocaine, as it can negatively impact the experience.

Before taking any drug, it is very important to make sure that the substance you have in front of you really is what you think it is, or what it is claimed to be. By far the safest and best way to do this is through a professional chemical analysis service (such as Energy Control in Spain), but if this is not possible, it is highly recommended to at least use a reagent test kit (such as those offered by DanceSafe in the UK). These are easy-to-use reagents that produce a characteristic color change when they come into contact with a particular drug, allowing users to identify the drug from a table of known color changes. Remember to store the reagents in the fridge and check the expiration date before using them, as expired tests can give misleading color changes.

The Marquis rapid test should be used first. This test produces a yellow color that turns green when reacting with 2C-B.

The Mandelin rapid test gives a faint yellow or greenish color when reacting with 2C-B.

The Ehrlich rapid test should not produce any color when reacting with 2C-B.

DOSAGE

A common dose of 2C-B is between 10 and 25 milligrams by the oral route, or between 5 and 15 milligrams if the substance is snorted or taken rectally. First-time users should start with a low dose and observe the effects for two hours before they consider increasing the dose.

Beware! A dose increase of just a few milligrams can significantly enhance the intoxicating effects. This makes accurate dosing very important.

With 2C-B in powder form, it is best to dissolve a known amount in water and use a medical syringe to measure the doses as a fraction of the total volume. (For example, if one gram of 2C-B is dissolved in a total of 100 milliliters of solution, this will provide 10 milligrams per milliliter.) When ingesting 2C-B in powder form, a precision scale (accurate to 2 milligrams or less) should be used to measure the dose.

Dosage chart (oral route):

Minimum noticeable dose: 5 mg

Mild: 10-15 mg

Common: 15-25 mg

Strong (increased risk of unpleasant experiences): 25-45 mg

Very strong: 45 mg+

FORM

2C-B is usually available either as a powder (typically hydrochloride salt, though hydrobromide salt also occurs) or in pre-pressed tablets.

ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION

The most common routes of administration for 2C-B are oral ingestion and snorting. 2C-B dissolved in water can also be taken rectally with a medical syringe (without a needle), snorted as a nasal spray, or mixed into a drink.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Like classic psychedelics, 2C-B mimics the neurotransmitter serotonin at the brain's serotonin receptors. Unlike classic psychedelics, which activate serotonin receptor subtype 2A, 2C-B has little activity at this receptor subtype, and its main effects are thought to be due to activity at serotonin receptor subtype 2C. 2C-B also activates the α1-adrenergic receptor and apparently inhibits dopamine reuptake in the nucleus accumbens.

DURATION

The duration of 2C-B can vary depending on the dose, tolerance, and method of intake. For most, the effects of a normal dose can last up to six hours when swallowed and up to four hours when snorted or taken rectally. When swallowed, the effects are usually felt after 20 to 40 minutes, while snorting or rectal intake can produce noticeable effects within just a few minutes.

INTOXICATING EFFECTS

At low doses, such as 10 to 15 mg swallowed, 2C-B is often considered an entactogen or empathogen, i.e., in the same category as MDMA. The effects are usually moderately stimulating with mild psychedelic qualities, and it is common to feel happy, giggly, empathetic, and sociable. The first 20 to 30 minutes of the high can often be a bit uncomfortable, and one may experience transient nausea, muscle tension, or anxiety. After this, one can feel more bodily comfort, and some experience increased libido and sexual pleasure as the effects stabilize or towards the end of the high.

At higher doses, such as more than 15 mg swallowed, 2C-B becomes a more psychedelic drug. This is primarily noticed by strong visual effects and audiovisual synesthesia (blending of hearing and sight) when listening to music. The visual effects usually consist of moving geometric patterns that occur in surfaces and objects one looks at, and one can see both abstract geometric figures and concrete, dream-like images with closed eyes. 2C-B is less mentally challenging than LSD or psilocybin mushrooms and more similar to mescaline, albeit with stronger visual effects. However, this does not mean that one cannot have mentally challenging or uncomfortable experiences with 2C-B, especially if the dose is high.

UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCES ("BAD TRIPS")

Although the risk of unpleasant experiences is lower with 2C-B than with some psychedelics, the free thought associations can cause unwanted thoughts to stick and steer the experience in the wrong direction. The user must therefore learn either to control this or to accept the thoughts as they come. Circumstances and surroundings (mood, place, music, and who one is with) play a significant role in whether one has a (un)pleasant experience. The simplest way to avoid an unpleasant experience is to take a responsible dose. Additionally, certain personality types are probably more susceptible; if one struggles with anxiety and intrusive thoughts, one should either avoid psychedelics or proceed cautiously with low doses. Some women find that the menstrual cycle can affect the risk of an unpleasant experience.

If one has an unpleasant experience, it will usually help to change surroundings, switch music, or distract oneself in another way. If this does not help, it is better to "let go" and let the thoughts unravel themselves rather than trying to resist. In such cases, it may be good to have a quiet place to lie down and rest until it gets better, and to have someone nearby who looks after you. This person should remind you that it will pass, that everything is okay, and that you are safe, but not be too pushy, as communication can be stressful.

POWERFUL OR DEEPLY MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES

Psychedelic experiences can provide powerful impressions that require processing afterwards. The user's perception of reality is challenged, which can provoke pondering over big, existential questions. One may also be confronted with unpleasant aspects of oneself and one's life as subconscious psychological material surfaces during the high. This can be rewarding in the long term, but is not necessarily trouble-free. It is not uncommon for people to change behavior or make significant changes in their lives after a powerful psychedelic experience, and research shows that a single use of psychedelics can cause lasting change in the personality domain of openness to new experiences. This effect is particularly noticeable for some time just after the first experience, and one should be careful about making significant decisions during this period. Most users find powerful psychedelic experiences to be positive in hindsight, even those that are very demanding or unpleasant while they occur. Nevertheless, it is recommended that one approach psychedelics prepared and with great respect, and have someone to talk to about their experiences.

PHYSICAL SIDE EFFECTS

2C-B is strongly physically stimulating, and it is common to experience muscle tension, trembling, and chills, especially during the first part of the high. Some also experience nausea, albeit to a lesser extent than with mescaline. 2C-B also causes typical stimulant side effects, such as dilated pupils and jaw tightness.

Men may experience moderate problems with achieving an erection under the influence of 2C-B, but not necessarily a reduced ability to achieve orgasm.

The use of 2C-B usually results in no significant hangover, but some people occasionally experience a mild to moderate headache parts of the next day. This is usually most noticeable if one has had little sleep.

2C-B is considered an illicit drug in Norway. This means it is illegal to use, possess, manufacture, import, export, procure, store, send, or give away without a special license for medical or scientific use.

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