“Pink Cocaine,” commonly referred to as “tusi” or “tuci,” is a synthetic party drug that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in Latin America and Europe. Despite its name, pink cocaine rarely contains actual cocaine or the psychedelic 2C-B it derives its name from. Instead, it is often a mix of ketamine, MDMA, stimulants, and various other substances.
The awareness of pink cocaine skyrocketed in 2024, after being in the spotlight for news headlines surrounding One Direction singer Liam Payne’s death, as well as a lawsuit against entertainer Sean “Diddy” Combs. Lets dive deeper so we can understand more about this new popular drug hitting the streets.
History
2C-B (4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine) was first synthesized in 1974 by American chemist Alexander Shulgin. Initially, it was used within the psychiatric community as an aid during therapy but was later abandoned due to gastrointestinal effects and the lack of empathogenic effects. In the 1980s and early 1990s, 2C-B was legally manufactured and sold in adult bookstores and dance clubs as a libido-enhancing drug under the trade name “Erox.” However, in 1995, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) listed 2C-B as a Schedule I drug, pushing it underground.
In the early 2000s, small amounts of 2C-B were smuggled from Europe to Colombia, where it became popular in elite club scenes. To make the drug more appealing, dealers started mixing the powder with pink food coloring, leading to the name “tusi,” a Spanish approximation of “2C.” Over time, due to demand and the high cost of 2C-B, the composition of tusi changed, with 2C-B being replaced by other substances like ketamine and MDMA. Today, tusi rarely contains 2C-B and is instead a mix of various substances, making it unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
Is Pink Cocaine Illegal?
The legal status of substances like 2C-B varies by country:
- Internationally, 2C-B was added to Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances in March 2001.
- In the United States, 2C-B is classified as a Schedule I substance, making its manufacture, distribution, or possession illegal.
- In the UK, 2C-B is classified as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
- In many other countries, 2C-B and related substances are controlled under similar regulations, reflecting concerns about their potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use.
- In the event that the pink cocaine is made from substances other than 2C-B, like meth or MDMA, etc., then the laws for each of those drugs will apply accordingly. Pink cocaine without 2C-B is very common in today’s market.
Appearance and Odor
Appearance:
-2C-B typically appears as a white crystalline powder or in tablet form.
-However, the substance known as “pink cocaine” or “tusi” is characterized by its pink color, which is primarily due to the addition of food coloring. The pink hue is a marketing tactic to make the drug more appealing to the young population and party crowd.
Odor:
-The odor can vary depending on the substances used to mix it, but there is no consistent scent associated with it.
How Is Pink Cocaine Made?
The synthesis of 2C-B involves chemical reactions starting from 2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde.
However, the substance sold as “pink cocaine” or “tusi” does not have a standardized synthesis process, as it is a mixture of various drugs and adulterants. The lack of standardization in its production leads to significant variability in its composition, increasing the risks associated with its use.
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics refers to how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body.
The metabolism of 2C-B primarily occurs in the liver and is excreted through the urine.
The metabolism of “tusi” is unpredictable due to its variable ingredients, making it difficult to determine onset times, duration, and metabolic pathways.
Pharmacodynamics
2C-B acts as a partial agonist at serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, leading to its psychedelic effects. It also has affinity for dopamine receptors, contributing to its stimulant properties.
The pharmacodynamics of “tusi” are uncertain due to its inconsistent composition, which may include substances like ketamine (an NMDA receptor antagonist) and MDMA (which increases the release of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine). This combination can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects.
Routes of Administration
2C-B is commonly consumed orally in tablet or capsule form, but it can also be insufflated (snorted), though this method is reported to be painful.
“Tusi” is typically insufflated due to its powder form, but the route of administration can vary among users. The method of administration affects the onset and intensity of effects, with insufflation leading to a quicker onset compared to oral ingestion.
What Are The Effects Of Pink Cocaine?
The effects of 2C-B are a combination of psychedelic and entactogenic experiences, including visual hallucinations, enhanced sensory perception, euphoria, and emotional openness. At higher doses, it can cause intense visual distortions and altered states of consciousness.
The effects of “tusi” are unpredictable due to its variable composition but may include euphoria, increased energy, altered sensory perceptions, and, depending on the adulterants, dissociative effects. The lack of consistency in its ingredients increases the risk for adverse reactions.
Speed of Onset
For 2C-B, oral ingestion leads to an onset of effects within 45-75 minutes, with peak effects occurring around 2 hours after administration. The total duration of effects typically lasts between 4-8 hours, depending on the dose and individual metabolism. When insufflated, the onset occurs much faster, often within 5 to 10 minutes, but the effects may be shorter-lived.
For “pink cocaine” or “tusi,” the speed of onset varies significantly due to its inconsistent composition. Users report rapid onset when insufflated, often within minutes, but the variability in ingredients makes it difficult to predict exact timelines.
How Long Does Pink Cocaine Stay In Your System?
Detection of 2C-B and substances found in “pink cocaine” is challenging due to their relatively short half-lives and low prevalence in routine drug screenings.
Detection Windows:
-For 2C-B, metabolites can typically be detected in urine for 24-48 hours after use, depending on the dose and individual metabolism.
-For “pink cocaine,” the detection window depends on the specific substances included in the mix (e.g., ketamine, MDMA), which have their own detection windows:
- Ketamine: Detectable in urine for 1-3 days.
- MDMA: Detectable for 1-5 days in urine and up to 24 hours in blood.
Cutoff Levels:
Standardized cutoff levels for 2C-B are not well-established because it is not commonly included in workplace or roadside drug panels.
Testing Methods:
Specialized testing methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), are required to detect these substances.
Supply Chain Sources/Locations
Pink cocaine is primarily associated with the nightlife and party scene in Latin America, particularly Colombia, where it originated. Over time, its distribution has expanded to other regions, including parts of Europe and North America, often via illicit supply chains and dark web markets.
- Production: Originally tied to clandestine labs in Colombia, production now occurs in various countries.
- Distribution: Traffickers often use social media, encrypted messaging apps, and the dark web to market and distribute the drug, making it difficult for authorities to track its spread.
- Adulteration: To increase profitability, producers often cut the substance with cheaper chemicals, leading to inconsistent potency and increased risks for users.
How Much Does Pink Cocaine Cost?
The cost of “pink cocaine” varies widely depending on the region and composition.
- Latin America: Prices range from $20 to $50 per gram, depending on purity.
- Europe: Prices are higher, often reaching $80 to $150 per gram.
- Factors Influencing Price: The inclusion of higher-value components like MDMA or ketamine may raise the price, while heavily adulterated samples are sold more cheaply.
What Is The Typical Dosing Size For Pink Cocaine?
The dosing of 2C-B is relatively standardized in research contexts:
- Low Dose: 5-10 mg, producing mild effects.
- Common Dose: 15-25 mg, leading to strong psychedelic and empathogenic effects.
- High Dose: 30+ mg, increasing the risk of adverse effects, including anxiety and nausea.
For “pink cocaine,” the lack of standardization means dosing is highly unpredictable, as users often don’t know the exact contents or concentrations. This increases the risk of overdose and harmful reactions.
Who Are The Main Users Of Pink Cocaine?
- Age Groups: Pink cocaine is most commonly used by individuals aged 18-35, particularly within nightlife and festival settings.
- Gender: Usage is approximately equal among men and women, though motivations for use may differ.
- Geography: The drug is predominantly consumed in Latin America but has also gained popularity in European cities like Barcelona, Ibiza, and Amsterdam.
- Trends: Reports suggest a rise in usage among affluent individuals due to the drug’s marketing as a “luxury” or exclusive substance.
What Are People Saying About Pink Cocaine?
User experiences with pink cocaine vary widely due to its inconsistent composition.
- Positive Feedback:
- Euphoric and energetic effects.
- Enhanced social interactions and sensory experiences.
- Negative Feedback:
- Severe side effects, including nausea, anxiety, and paranoia.
- Reports of “crashes” or comedowns, particularly with MDMA-laced samples.
- Concerns about adulteration and unpredictability, leading to potential health risks.
Users often express dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency regarding the drug’s contents, emphasizing the importance of harm reduction measures like reagent testing kits.
Conclusion
Pink cocaine, or “tusi,” represents a growing trend in the global drug market, characterized by its unique branding and unpredictable composition. While its origins are tied to the psychedelic 2C-B, modern versions often contain a mix of substances, including ketamine, MDMA, and synthetic stimulants.
The drug’s rising popularity, particularly among young adults in nightlife settings, highlights the need for increased education and harm reduction efforts. Its unpredictable nature poses significant risks, making it crucial for users to approach with caution and utilize available testing methods to ensure safety.
As research into designer drugs evolves, understanding the pharmacology, effects, and risks associated with substances like pink cocaine will remain essential for public health and safety.
References
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (n.d.). Designer Drugs: Emerging Trends and Risks. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/synthetic-cannabinoids-k2spice
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). (n.d.). New Psychoactive Substances in Europe. Retrieved from https://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/topic-overviews/content/nps-in-europe_en
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). (n.d.). Drug Fact Sheet: 2C-B. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/2c-b
- Shulgin, A., & Shulgin, A. (1991). PIHKAL: A Chemical Love Story. Berkeley, CA: Transform Press. Retrieved from https://erowid.org/library/books_online/pihkal/pihkal.shtml
- Tusi: a new ketamine concoction complicating the drug landscape. (2023). PubMed Central. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10636235/
- Acute Pharmacological Effects of 2C-B in Humans. (2018). Frontiers in Pharmacology. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00206/full
- Pink Cocaine. (n.d.). Drug Enforcement Administration. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/pink-cocaine
- 2C-B. (n.d.). Alcohol and Drug Foundation. Retrieved from https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/2c-b/
- Assessment of the Acute Effects of 2C‐B vs. Psilocybin on Alterations of Consciousness in Healthy Volunteers. (2022). Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Retrieved from https://ascpt.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cpt.2958
- 4-Bromo-2,5-Dimethoxyphenethylamine (Street Names: 2C-B, Nexus, Venus, Bromo, Erox, and Bees). (n.d.). Drug Enforcement Administration. Retrieved from https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/bromo_dmp.pdf
- Behavioral, neurochemical and pharmaco-EEG profiles of the novel psychoactive substance 2C-B in rats. (2012). PubMed. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22842791/
