Description
2C-x are a family of psychedelic drugs, including the most commonly known 2C-B, that change the way the brain sees things and alters thoughts. The psychedelic experiences 2C-B produces is generally considered to be less intense than MDMA and LSD. 2C-x drugs are often sought after for their more somatic effects: ‘head rushes’, buzzing, tingling and increased energy are all commonly associated.
2C drugs should not be confused with ‘tuci’ or ‘pink cocaine’, a variable mix of drugs often including ketamine, MDMA, and caffeine. 2C-x are phenethylamine-derived drugs including 2C-B, 2C-C, 2C-D, 2C-E, 2C-I, 2C-P, 2C-T-2, 2C-T-7, 2C-B-FLY, and others. For 2C-I-NBOMe, head to our 25I-NBOMe page.
Desirable Effects
- Psychedelic experience with a ‘clearer headspace’ than LSD and mushrooms
- Sensory enhancement at lower doses, and distortion at higher doses
- Changes to time, space and meaning at higher doses
Undesirable Effects
- Unwanted visions and distorted thoughts can be frightening – ‘bad trip’
- Can negatively affect people who have mental health problems
What does it look like?
It is found as white powder or tablets/capsules of various colours and shapes.
Method of Use
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.
Boofed: diluted in warm saline or distilled water, and administered rectally using a small oral syringe
Pharmacology
In common with other psychedelic drugs, 2C-B and other 2C-x drugs bind to the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter mainly present in the central nervous system that plays a key role in stimulating mood, appetite and sleep regulation. While 2C-B lasts for around 5–7 hours, other 2C drugs vary in their potency (with doses between 6–150 mg) and duration of effects between 3 and 48 hours.
2C-C, 2C-D, 2C-E, 2C-I, and 2C-T-2 show no activity as monoamine releasing agents (like amphetamine and MDMA) nor reuptake inhibitors (like cocaine and antidepressants). Additionally, 2C-B does not impact oxytocin levels, in contrast to MDMA.
2C drugs are metabolised by monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes. MAOI drugs such as phenelzine and selegiline block this enzyme, increasing the amount of 2C drug in the bloodstream which can lead to overdose and hospitalisation. Mixing psychedelics with stimulants may increase the risk of a ‘bad trip’ for some people.
History
2C-B was first synthesised in the lab of the great Alexander Shulgin in 1974, with the results published in a paper with Michael Carter in 1975. In the 1980s it began to be sold as an alternative to MDMA (Ecstasy), 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, published in his books PiHKAL (1991) and The Shulgin Index, Volume One (2011). Most 2C-x drugs 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’) 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 visual distortions it can produce.
Law
Possible offences
- Possession
- Maximum sentence – 7 years/fine/both
- Possession With Intent To Supply
- Maximum sentence – life imprisonment, a fine, or both
- Supply (including being concerned in supply, conspiracy to supply, aggravated supply and offer to supply)
- Maximum sentence – life imprisonment, a fine, or both
- Production
- Maximum sentence – life imprisonment, a fine, or both
In practice maximum sentences are rarely used, for more detailed and accurate information go to our sentencing page.
Last updated by AJ
