2C-x

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.

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.

Harm Reduction

• Set and setting: Psychedelic experiences are impacted by your baseline. Feeling anxious or down before taking a psychedelic, and taking it in an environment that feels overstimulating or unsafe, can increase the risk of a ‘bad trip’.
• Start low, go slow: Take a small amount and wait until you can feel the effects before taking more/anything else.
• Try not to use alone: If something goes wrong, someone is there to get help
• Be careful mixing: Mixing drugs can have unpredictable effects and may increase risks including overdose – avoid if you can, otherwise take less of each. Mixing 2C drugs with MAOIs can lead to an overdose.
• Test your stuff: You can’t see by eye whether your pill or powder contains 2C-B or another drug. Find out how to send a sample to WEDINOS for testing here: https://www.wedinos.wales or pick up some test strips at our Harm Reduction Hub
• It’s possible to become psychologically dependent on the drug (feeling like you need it all the time). If you think this is happening, see your doctor as soon as possible.

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

• Class A
• Schedule 1

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