What is 2C-B?
In This Article
Little is known about the drug 2C-B. However, a recent resurgence in today’s nightlife culture is bringing back cause for alarm.
Although popular for its recreational effects, 2C-B use can lead to addiction and other long-term consequences. In this article, we cover 2C-B’s effects, health risks, and the proper response during a potential bad trip or overdose.
What is 2C-B?
2C-B is a novel psychoactive drug that alters a person’s thought process, sense of time, and emotions. It causes euphoria and stimulating feelings.
2C-B is a 2C drug, part of a group called phenethylamines. That makes it a psychedelic that causes stimulant effects.
Anecdotal reports claim that the drug typically appears as a white powder or crystal. It’s also available in tablet form, similar to MDMA.
2C-B is also known by slang terms, which include:
- Nexus
- Venus
- Bees
- 7th Heaven
- 7-UP
- Blue Mystic
- Lucky 7
- Tripstasy
- Beautiful
- BDMPEA
Most people take 2C-B orally and experience a burning sensation when ingesting the drug. Occasionally, people snort it, though doing so often causes nosebleeds and is potentially lethal. Some insufflate or vaporize the substance, though this is rare.
What Is the History of 2C-B?
2C-B was first synthesized in 1974 as a therapy aid. A 2015 study in Spain suggested that the drug reduced aggression and encouraged open-mindedness, but the results were inconclusive.
When MDMA was outlawed in 1985, 2C-B became the street drug of choice for its euphoric and psychedelic effects. Studies show that most people who use these drugs are young adults who frequently attend raves.
Is 2C-B Legal?
2C-B is a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical drug use and a high potential for addiction. As a Class A drug, it’s illegal to buy, possess, and sell. Possession of 2C-B is punishable by up to 7 years in prison, a fine, or both.
2C-B is most commonly distributed on the dark web. According to the 2019 Global Drug Survey, darknet purchases of the drug significantly increased over 5 years, along with other drugs like DMT and ketamine.
Sellers often attempt to pass the drug off as MDMA, with a street price of $10 to $30 per tablet, while a gram of the drug costs between $200 and $500.
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Effects of 2C-B
2C-B Is a psychedelic drug typically producing euphoric effects. Below is a comprehensive look at its acute pharmacological effects.
What Are the Short-Term Effects of 2C-B?
Snorting 2C-B is often painful, causing a burning sensation in the nostrils. Its effects kick in after half an hour has passed, which include the following:
- Alertness
- Warmth
- Anticipation (feeling apprehensive or easily distracted)
- Tingling
Many people also feel sexual arousal, coupled with symptoms like:
- Raised hairs
- Tremors
- Chills
- Dilated pupils
- Muscle spasms
- Erections
Because the beginning of the high is painful, most people report having an unpleasant experience with the drug.
How Does 2C-B Affect Mood and Perception?
Many describe its effects as similar to a cross between MDMA and LSD.
Other effects include feeling extremely sociable, though it may be difficult to converse with another person. Some report feeling happy and in tune with their surroundings, experiencing introspective thoughts and increased empathy.
Taking higher doses can further cause negative effects, which include the following:
- Claustrophobia
- Muscle clenching
- Severe psychosis
- Intense hallucinations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Increased blood pressure
How Does 2C-B Impact Mental Health?
People diagnosed with a mental illness are more significantly at risk of its adverse effects. Because 2C-B induces psychedelic sensations, many people with an existing mental illness have a greater chance of getting an unpleasant experience.
Some mental effects of 2C-B include:
- Confusion and agitation
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Low mood
- Anxiety
- Inability to concentrate or, adversely, hyper fixation
What Are the Long-Term Effects of 2C-B Use?
While hallucinogens are not typically addictive, 2C-B’s stimulant effects can lead to addiction, causing long-term negative effects. People may depend on the drug to achieve positive feelings, neglecting aspects of their daily lives to acquire or use it.
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How Long Do 2C-B Effects Last?
Anecdotal reports claim the “come-down” period of 2C-B typically lasts between 2 and 4 hours. During this comedown, some people may experience a bad trip, causing them to “crash” or become depressed.
How long it takes for someone to come down from these drugs ultimately depends on the dosage, how frequently a person uses a drug, their weight and metabolism, and whether they use other drugs simultaneously.
What Are the Potential Risks of Taking 2C-B?
Because 2C-B is illegal and produced in secret laboratories, these illicit drugs are often laced with other substances, causing significant physical and mental risks. In addition, the amount in a single capsule or tablet can vary significantly.
Common adverse reactions to 2C-B include:
- Panic attacks
- Delirious states
- Headaches
- High risk of over-stimulating the heart, leading to cardiac arrest.
Mixing 2C-B with other drugs can be unpredictable and potentially life-threatening.
There currently are no proven therapeutic uses of the drug. When it was first used within the psychiatric community, 2C-B was sold as a sexual enhancer.
Can You Overdose on 2C-B?
There is currently no known fatal dose of 2C-B. However, taking it with other drugs can significantly increase the risk of overdose.
2C-B’s anesthetizing effects can also cause severe injuries to go unnoticed, discouraging people from seeking medical attention.
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How Can You Recognize Signs of 2C-B Use?
It may be challenging to identify if someone has used 2C-B. The simplest way to recognize signs of use is through observational study. Knowing the side effects caused by 2C-B is imperative, as it has no recorded withdrawal symptoms.
What to Do During a Bad Trip or Overdose
When experiencing a bad trip or overdose, seek medical attention immediately. If possible, have someone monitor your symptoms until help arrives.
Alternatively, you may have a spirit guide or trip sitter—someone who remains sober and monitors your well-being throughout the experience.
How Do I Stop Using 2C-B?
Like with most psychedelic drugs, quitting 2C-B cold turkey can be challenging. Most experienced users recommend reducing dosages to wean off the drug. When stopping 2C-B use, using a milligram scale to weigh the dosage is best.
Summary
2C-B is a stimulant and hallucinogen and can negatively impact one’s physical health and well-being. People often take it with other psychedelic drugs, increasing the probability of addiction and even death.
If you or someone you know is demonstrating signs of drug addiction, seek treatment immediately.
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- Nugteren–van Lonkhuyzen et al. “Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicology of new psychoactive substances (NPS): 2C-B, 4-fluoroamphetamine and benzofurans.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence, ScienceDirect, 2015.
- Papaseit et al. “Acute Pharmacological Effects of 2C-B in Humans: An Observational Study.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2018.
- Yanakieva et al. “Acquired synaesthesia following 2C-B use.” Psychopharmacology, Springer Link, 2019.
- González et al. “Acute Effects of the Novel Psychoactive Drug 2C-B on Emotions.” BioMed Research International, 2015.
- Mallaroni et al. “Assessment of the Acute Effects of 2C‐B vs. Psilocybin on Subjective Experience, Mood, and Cognition.” Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2023.
