2C-B

2CB

What is 2C-B

4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (also known as Nexus, Bromo Mescaline, BDMPEA, Venus, and 2C-B) is a novel psychedelic substance of the phenethylamine class. It is the most well-known member of the 2C-x family of psychedelic phenethylamines, which are chemically similar to the classical psychedelic mescaline. 2C-B is thought to produce its effects through stimulation of serotonin receptors in parts of the brain; however, the precise mechanism of action is not known.

2C-B was discovered in 1974 by the American chemist Alexander Shulgin, who documented its synthesis and subjective effects in his 1991 book PiHKAL (“Phenethylamines I Have Known and Loved”). In the 1970s, it was used in patients by a small number of American psychotherapists and was considered one of the best substances for this purpose due to its short duration, relative absence of side effects, and comparably mild nature. It entered into recreational use shortly afterward and was manufactured and sold commercially under names such as “Eros” and “Nexus” in head/smart shops and adult video stores. It was federally prohibited by the DEA in 1995.

Subjective effects include open and closed-eye visuals, time distortion, euphoria, and ego loss. User reports have described the effects of 2C-B as moderate, warm, colorful, and highly sensual. Similar to mescaline, it is described as possessing a less serious or grandiose headspace than tryptamines like LSD or psilocybin mushrooms and placing a greater emphasis on visual and tactile effects. Smaller doses (under 15 mg) can be used as a sensory and aesthetic enhancer, in a manner somewhat similar to MDMA, while larger doses are reported to produce a distinct mind-manifesting effect.

2C-B is considered to be physiologically well-tolerated and likely has a safety profile similar to classical psychedelics (i.e. known to have low toxicity). However, more research is needed to fully understand the toxicity and health risks of 2C-B. It is highly advised to use harm reduction practices if using this substance

History and culture

2C-B was first synthesized and tested for psychoactivity in 1974 by the American chemist and psychedelic researcher Alexander Shulgin as part of a search of novel psychedelic compounds based on the chemical structure of mescaline. His findings were later published in the 1991 book PiHKAL, in which it was listed among the “magical half-dozen” of psychedelic phenethylamines that he deemed most important. The list consists of mescaline, DOM, 2C-B, 2C-E, 2C-T-2, and 2C-T-7.^] In interviews, Shulgin repeatedly declared it his favorite psychedelic trip.

In the 1970s, 2C-B was used in patients by a small number of psychotherapists in the United States. These therapists reported that it created a warm, empathetic bond between them and their patients, helping to break down their ego defenses and inner resistances and allowing the patient to get in touch with suppressed emotions and repressed memories^] The gentle nature of 2C-B, in addition to its mild side effects and short duration, were found to be desirable traits for a therapeutic setting.

Shortly after gaining traction in the underground psychotherapy community, 2C-B became popular in the recreational drug scene. 2C-B was well-liked as a MDMA substitute in raves and parties due to its minimal comedown and a clear, euphoric headspace. In the 1980s and early 1990s, 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 DEA reported its distribution in Miami, Florida as yellow pills marketed as an aphrodisiac.

In the United States, 2C-B gained popularity as an alternative to MDMA following its classification as a Schedule I substance in 1985. Its increasing popularity led it to be placed in Schedule I in 1995.

It saw a resurgence in interest in the 2000s, with the advent of the “research chemicals”/”designer drugs” scene and darknet markets.

2C-B was legally sold in Southern Africa from 1993 to early 1996. It was marketed as medicine for Sangomas (traditional healers) under the name “Ubulawu Nomathotholo”, which roughly translates to “Medicine of the Singing Ancestors.

Combinational effects

• Cannabis – Cannabis majorly intensifies and extends both the sensory and cognitive effects of 2C-B. Extreme caution should be exercised with this combination as it can also elevate the anxiety, confusion and psychosis risk of cannabis.
• Dissociatives – When combined with dissociatives, the geometry, euphoria, 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. It also results in more intense internal hallucinations and corresponding confusion which can develop into delusions and psychosis.
• Nitrous – Nitrous oxide 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 euphoria that can result often leads to the urge to compulsively redose.
• MDMA, buy mdma, mdma for sale, pure mdma, crystal mdma, buy molly, molly for sale, ecstacy , ecstacy for sale – When combined with MDMA, the physical and cognitive effects of 2C-B become strongly amplified. The visual, physical and cognitive effects of 2C-B are also intensified with strong sensations of euphoric pleasure manifested through distinct body highs and headspaces, and uniquely colorful 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. This combination may increase the neurotoxic effects of MDMA based on its similarity to LSD, which has been found to increase MDMA neurotoxicity.^[14]
• Alcohol – Alcohol can increase the disinhibiting and euphoric effects of 2C-B which lends to its use in recreational settings. It can be used in light doses to “take the edge off” a trip as well as dull its psychedelic effects in a fashion somewhat similar to benzodiazepines. However, this is not typically recommended due to alcohol’s ability to cause dehydration and nausea and physical fatigue which can negatively affect a trip if taken in moderate to high dosages. Heavy drinking is strongly discouraged as it can easily lead to black outs and unpredictable behavior.
• Benzodiazepines – Benzodiazepines can, depending on the dosage, slightly to completely reduce the intensity of the cognitive, physical and visual effects of a 2C-B trip. They are very efficient at stopping “bad trips” at the cost of amnesia and reduced trip intensity. Caution is advised when acquiring them for this purpose due to their very high abuse and addiction potential.
• Psychedelics – When used in combination with other psychedelics, each substance’s physical, cognitive and visual effects intensify and synergize 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.

Neurotoxicity

2C-B at normal doses is unlikely to be neurotoxic. Through rough extrapolations of data from rat cortical cultures, the IC₅₀ of neuronal activity may result from a dose of at least a 330-650mg. In other words, users should avoid a dose that large in order to avoid long term damage, but typical doses should be well within a safe range.

Cardiac risk

Users have reported experiencing hypertension, hyperthermia and tachycardia at higher doses. As such, those with pre-existing heart conditions should avoid using 2C-B, and users monitor their temperature and heart-rate and respond accordingly. Heavy physical exertion while on 2C-B is discouraged.

Lethal dosage

There is no current data for the LD₅₀ of 2C-B, but it is thought to be considerably higher than the active dose. Alexander Shulgin reported a 100 mg oral dose taken without apparent harm.^[1]

Dependence and abuse potential

As with other serotonergic psychedelic, 2C-B is considered to be non-addictive with a low potential for abuse.

Tolerance to the effects of 2C-B is not built almost immediately after ingestion. There are many anecdotal reports of people ingesting this substance many days in a row with no immediate tolerance build up. 2C-B produces cross-tolerance with other serotonergic psychedelics, meaning that after the use of 2C-B all psychedelics will have a reduced effect.

Dangerous interactions

Although many psychoactive substances are reasonably safe to use on their own, they can suddenly become dangerous or even life-threatening when combined with other substances. The following list includes some known dangerous combinations (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them). Independent research  should always be conducted to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.

• Lithium – Lithium is commonly prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder. There is a large body of anecdotal evidence that suggests taking it with psychedelics significantly increases the risk of psychosis and seizures. As a result, this combination is strictly discouraged.
• Cannabis – Cannabis may have an unexpectedly strong and unpredictable synergy with the effects of 2C-B. Caution is advised with this combination as it can significantly increase the risk of adverse psychological reactions like anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and psychosis. Users are advised to start off with only a fraction of their normal cannabis dose and take long breaks between hits to avoid unintentional overdose.
• Stimulants – Stimulants like amphetamine, cocaine or methylphenidate affect many parts of the brain and alter dopaminergic function. This combination can increase the risk of anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and thought loops. This interaction may also result in an elevated risk of mania and psychosis.
• Tramadol – Tramadol is well-documented to lower the seizure threshold and psychedelics may act to trigger seizures in susceptible individuals.