2C-B

Summary sheet: 2C-B

2C-B
Chemical Nomenclature
Common names	2C-B, Nexus, Bees
Substitutive name	4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine
Systematic name	2-(4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine
Class Membership
Psychoactive class	Psychedelic
Chemical class	Phenethylamine
Routes of Administration
WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section. ⇣ Oral Dosage Threshold 5 mg Light 10 - 15 mg Common 15 - 25 mg Strong 25 - 45 mg Heavy 45 mg + Duration Total 5 - 8 hours Onset 20 - 40 minutes Come up 40 - 60 minutes Peak 2 - 3 hours Offset 1.5 - 3 hours After effects 2 - 4 hours ⇣ Insufflated Dosage Threshold < 1 mg Light 5 - 8 mg Common 8 - 12 mg Strong 12 - 23 mg Heavy 23 mg + Duration Total 4 - 7 hours Onset 0 - 20 minutes ⇣ Rectal Dosage Threshold < 1 mg Light 5 - 8 mg Common 8 - 12 mg Strong 12 - 23 mg Heavy 23 mg + Duration Total 4 - 7 hours Onset 0 - 20 minutes DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.
Interactions
Cannabis
Stimulants
Tramadol
Lithium

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 perhaps the most well-known member of the 2C-x family, which are structurally related to the classical psychedelic mescaline. The mechanism of action is not fully known, although serotonin receptor binding activity is thought to be principally involved.

2C-B was discovered in 1974 by the American chemist Alexander Shulgin, who was investigating psychedelic phenethylamines derived from mescaline. In the 1970s, it first saw use as a therapeutic aid by a small circle 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.

Recreational use was observed shortly afterward and it was briefly manufactured and sold commercially under such names as "Erox" and "Nexus" in "head" / "smart" shops and adult video stores before being federally scheduled 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, placing greater emphasis on the visual and tactile domain.

Smaller doses (under 15 mg) are reported to be useful as a sensory and aesthetic enhancer (in a manner somewhat similar to MDMA) while larger doses are reported to produce a distinct mind-manifesting psychedelic effect.

While more research is needed, it is generally thought to be physiologically well-tolerated. It likely has a safety profile similar to classical psychedelics, which are known to have low abuse potential and toxicity. However, adverse psychological reactions such as severe anxiety, paranoia, delusions, psychosis are always possible, particularly for those predisposed to mental disorders.

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, who was investigating novel psychedelic compounds based on the chemical structure of mescaline.

Shulgin's findings were later published in the 1991 book PiHKAL, in which he listed 2C-B 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, it 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. It was well-liked as a MDMA substitute in raves and club parties due to its minimal comedown and a clear, euphoric headspace.

In the 1980s and early 1990s, several foreign companies legally manufactured the substance 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 in the form of yellow pills marketed as an aphrodisiac.

In the United States, it gained popularity as an alternative to MDMA after the latter was classified as a Schedule I substance in 1985. The increasing popularity of 2C-B led to it also being 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".

Chemistry

This chemistry section is incomplete. You can help by adding to it.

2C-B, or 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine, is a substituted phenethylamine. Substituted phenethylamines are a chemical class of organic compounds that are based upon the phenethylamine structure, a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH₂) group through an ethyl chain. 2C-B possesses methoxy functional groups CH₃O- attached to carbons R₂ and R₅ as well as a bromine atom attached to carbon R₄ of the phenyl ring.

2C-B belongs to the 2C family of phenethylamines, all of which possess methoxy groups on the 2 and 5 positions of the benzene ring.

Pharmacology

This pharmacology section is incomplete. You can help by adding to it.

Further information: Serotonergic psychedelic

Unlike most psychedelics, 2C-B has been shown to be a low efficacy serotonin 5-HT_2A receptor partial agonist or even full antagonist. This suggests that the 5-HT_2C receptor is primarily responsible for mediating the effects experienced by users of 2C-B. Research also suggests that 2C-B increases dopamine levels in the brains of rats which may contribute to its psychoactivity.

However, the role of these interactions and how they result in the psychedelic experience continues to remain elusive.

Subjective effects

Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWiki contributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.

It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.

Physical effects

• • Stimulation - 2C-B is typically described as very energetic and stimulating in a fashion that draws comparisons to MDMA. At higher doses this effect can become more forced, encouraging users to engage in physical activities such as dancing.
  • Spontaneous bodily sensations - The "body high" of 2C-B is reported to be one of the most complex among psychedelics, exhibiting aspects of MDMA, 2C-E, and LSD. This is first characterized by an intense soft, warm glow that grows over the body and is capable of becoming highly euphoric.
  • Nausea - Mild to extreme nausea is reported when consumed in moderate to high dosages and either passes once the user has vomited or gradually fades by itself as the peak sets in.
  • Bodily control enhancement
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Increased bodily temperature
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased perspiration
  • Dehydration
  • Pupil dilation
  • Tactile enhancement
  • Teeth grinding - This component can be considered to be less intense when compared with that of MDMA.

Visual effects

• Enhancements

  • Colour enhancement
  • Magnification
  • Pattern recognition enhancement
  • Visual acuity enhancement

  Distortions

  • Drifting (melting, flowing, breathing and morphing) - In comparison to other psychedelics, this effect can be described as highly detailed, slow and smooth in motion, static in appearance and cartoon-like in style.
  • After images
  • Colour shifting
  • Depth perception distortions
  • Recursion
  • Scenery slicing
  • Symmetrical texture repetition
  • Tracers

  Geometry

  The visual geometry of 2C-B is reported to be more similar in appearance to that of LSD than that of 2C-E, psilocin, or ayahuasca. It can be comprehensively described as unstructured in organization, algorithmic in geometric style, intricate in complexity, large, fast and smooth in motion, colorful in scheme, glossy in color, sharp in its edges and angular in its corners. It seems high in algorithmic visuals such as fractals and at higher dosages are significantly more likely to result in states of level 8A visual geometry over level 8B.

  Hallucinatory states

  Like LSD, while 2C-B is capable of producing a full range of low and high-level hallucinatory states, they are comparatively rare and inconsistent at higher levels while common at lower levels. They generally include the following effects:

  • Transformations
  • Machinescapes
  • Internal hallucination (autonomous entities; settings, sceneries, and landscapes; perspective hallucinations and scenarios and plots) - Although 2C-B is technically capable of producing hallucinatory states in a fashion that is on par with psilocin or DMT in its vividness and intensity. In comparison, these effects are extremely rare and inconsistent at common doses, though are usually readily producible at high doses, particularly when taken by rectal or intravenous routes. While traditional psychedelics such as LSA, ayahuasca and mescaline will induce internal hallucinations near consistently at level 5 geometry and above, 2C-B will for most go straight into Level 8A visual geometry. This lack of consistently induced hallucinatory breakthroughs means that for some, 2C-B is simply not as deep of an experience as certain other psychedelics.
  • Peripheral information misinterpretation

Cognitive effects

• The cognitive effects of 2C-B are often described as both insightful and relatively normal in their thought processes even at moderate to high dosages. They are often described as being halfway between LSD and MDMA.
  • Empathy, affection, and sociability enhancement - These feelings of sociability, love and empathy are a little weaker and less sharp than those found on substances such as MDMA but still prove stronger and more consistent than other psychedelics of any class. This has been reported to provide long-lasting therapeutic effects.
  • Analysis enhancement - This introspection dominant effect is only manifested consistently in the context of a non-social setting in which the user is alone.
  • Conceptual thinking
  • Delusion
  • Creativity enhancement
  • Emotion enhancement
  • Immersion enhancement
  • Novelty enhancement
  • Increased libido
  • Increased sense of humor
  • Increased music appreciation
  • Laughter fits - Anecdotal reports and literature suggest that 2C-B is capable of producing sudden fits of mild to intense laughter.
  • Memory suppression
    • Ego death
  • Personal bias suppression
  • Rejuvenation
  • Thought acceleration
  • Thought connectivity
  • Time distortion
  • Wakefulness

Auditory effects

• • Auditory enhancement
  • Auditory distortion
  • Auditory hallucination

Multi-sensory effects

• • Synaesthesia - In its fullest manifestation, this is a very rare and non-reproducible effect. Increasing the dosage can increase the likelihood of synesthesia, but seems to only be a prominent part of the experience among those who are already predisposed to synaesthetic states.

Transpersonal effects

• While 2C-B has been reported as having the potential to produce transpersonal states, they are reported to occur less consistently or intensely than with classic psychedelics such as psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline, LSD, or DMT.
  • Existential self-realization
  • Spirituality enhancement
  • Unity and interconnectedness

Combination 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 are very rapid and the euphoria that can result often leads to the urge to compulsively redose.
• MDMA - MDMA strongly amplifies the physical, visual, and cognitive effects of 2C-B. This combination is reported to produce strong sensations of euphoric pleasure manifested through distinct body highs, headspaces and uniquely colorful visuals. The synergy between these substances is unpredictable, and it is advised to start with markedly lower doses 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.
• Alcohol - Alcohol can increase the disinhibiting and euphoric effects of 2C-B, lending 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 manner comparable 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 blackouts and unpredictable behavior.
• Benzodiazepines - Depending on the dose, benzodiazepines can 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 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.

Experience reports

Anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index include:

• Experience: 15mg 2C-B (oral) - A pleasant low-dose evening with Nexus
• Experience: 22mg 2C-B (oral) / 100ug 1P-LSD (sublingual) - My first time tripping alone (2 days in a row)
• Experience: 32mg 2C-B - Bromo Mescaline
• Experience:150mg MDMA + 20mg 2C-B - I designed it this way myself
• Experience:25mg 2C-B - Hard raving at home

Additional experience reports can be found here:

• Erowid Experience Vaults: 2C-B

Reagent results

Exposing compounds to the reagents gives a colour change which is indicative of the compound under test.

Marquis	Mecke	Mandelin	Liebermann	Froehde	Robadope
Yellow - Green	Yellow - Olive brownish	green	Yellow - Black	Yellow - Green	Slow pink
Ehrlich	Hofmann	Simon’s	Scott	Folin
No reaction	No reaction	No reaction	No reaction	(Light) purple

Toxicity and harm potential

This toxicity and harm potential section is a stub. As a result, it may contain incomplete or even dangerously wrong information! You can help by expanding upon or correcting it. Note: Always conduct independent research and use harm reduction practices if using this substance.

Further information: Responsible use § Hallucinogens

The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational 2C-B use have not been studied in any scientific context, and the exact toxic dose is unknown.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that there are no negative health effects attributed to simply trying it by itself at low to moderate doses or using it very sparingly (although nothing can be completely guaranteed).

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this substance.

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.

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 (either consecutively or by redosing many many times in a row and tripping continuously for dozens of hours) with no immediate tolerance build up and still building quite slowly even under sustained exposure.

2C-B does not produce cross-tolerance with other serotonergic psychedelics, although most users report other psychedelics affecting 2C-B tolerance. For example 2C-B followed by LSD will not result in any loss of effects whereas LSD followed by 2C-B will. Others report 2C-B following a completely separate tolerance clock to other psychedelics with no cross tolerance being shared between the two, although this seems to be a rare reaction with that individual's personal body chemistry, with the aforementioned one-way tolerance being the case for the very large majority of the population.

Dangerous interactions

Warning: Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).

Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) 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.

Legal status

Internationally, 2C-B was added to the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances as a Schedule II substance on March 20, 2001.

• Argentina: 2C-B is a Schedule I controlled substance.
• Australia: 2C-B is considered a Schedule 9 prohibited substance in Australia under the Poisons Standard. A Schedule 9 substance is a substance which may be abused or misused and the manufacture, possession, sale or use of is prohibited by law except when required for medical or scientific research, or for analytical, teaching or training purposes with approval of Commonwealth and/or State or Territory Health Authorities.
• Austria: 2C-B is illegal to possess, produce and sell in Austria under the SMG (Suchtmittelgesetz Österreich). 2C-B is listed in Schedule V of the Suchtgiftverordnung, which further specifies the SMG.
• Belgium: 2C-B is illegal to possess, produce and sell in Belgium.
• Brazil: 2C-B is illegal to possess, produce and sell in Brazil as it is listed on Portaria SVS/MS nº 344.
• Canada: 2C-B is a Schedule III drug in Canada.
• Croatia: 2C-B is illegal to possess, produce and sell in Croatia as a result of it being a 2,5-dimethoxyphenylethanamine.
• Czech Republic: 2-CB is a Schedule II drug.
• Denmark: 2C-B is a List B controlled substance.
• Estonia: 2C-B is a Schedule I drug in Estonia.
• Finland: Possession, production and sale of 2C-B is illegal in Finland.
• Germany: 2C-B is controlled under Anlage I BtMG (Narcotics Act, Schedule I) as of January 31, 1993. It is illegal to manufacture, possess, import, export, buy, sell, procure or dispense it without a license.
• Italy: 2C-B is a Schedule I (tabella I) drug in Italy
• Japan: Possession, production and sale is illegal.
• Latvia: 2C-B is a Schedule I controlled substance.
• Luxembourg: 2C-B is a prohibited substance since 2001.
• The Netherlands: Possession, production and sale is illegal.
• Norway: 2C-B is a Schedule II drug.
• Poland: 2C-B is illegal to posses since 2015 under "Wykaz środków odurzających i substancji psychotropowych"
• Russia: Possession, production and sale is illegal.
• Spain: 2C-B is a Category 2 drug.
• Sweden: 2C-B is a Schedule I drug.
• Switzerland: 2C-B is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis D.
• Turkey: 2C-B is a classed as drug and is illegal to possess, produce, supply, or import.
• United Kingdom: 2C-B is a Class A drug in the United Kingdom as a result of the phenethylamine catch-all clause.
• United States: 2C-B is a Schedule I drug.

See also

• Responsible use
• Psychedelic
• Phenethylamines
• 2C-x
• 2C-E
• 2C-B-FLY

External links

• 2C-B (Wikipedia)
• 2C-B (Erowid Vault)
• 2C-B (PiHKAL / Isomer Design)

Discussion

• The Big & Dandy 2C-B Thread - Stage 1 (Bluelight)
• 2C-B, broken down and described (Disregard Everything I Say)

Literature

• González, D., Torrens, M., & Farré, M. (2015). Acute Effects of the Novel Psychoactive Drug 2C-B on Emotions. BioMed Research International, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/643878
• Papaseit, E., Farré, M., Pérez-Mañá, C., Torrens, M., Ventura, M., Pujadas, M., ... & González, D. (2018). Acute Pharmacological Effects of 2C-B in Humans: An Observational Study. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9, 206. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.00206