2C-B Stats & Data
[Cl-].NCCc1cc(OC)c(Br)cc1OC.[H+]UJTWHDAMHSIRDK-UHFFFAOYSA-NPharmacology
DrugBankDescription
2C-B (4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine) is a synthetic psychedelic substance derived from mescaline. It was invented in 1974 by a man named Alexander Shulgin — the godfather of MDMA and creator of the entire 2C- family of substances. Shulgin invented well over 200 psychoactive compounds in his research lab dubbed “The Farm.” Shulgin considered 2C-B to be one of his greatest creations. In one of his books — PiHKAL (phenethylamines I Have Known And Loved) — he listed 2C-B among his “magic half dozen”. The other five include mescaline, DOM, 2C-E, 2C-I, 2C-T2, and 2C-T7. The effects of 2C-B have been described as a combination between LSD and MDMA — but this is a simplification. In reality, the 2C-B experience is entirely unique. The qualities of 2C-B made it popular as a sex-enhancement drug in the 80s. The German pharmaceutical company Drittewelle started producing the drug under the name “Nexus.” It was sold in sex shops as a way to boost libido, sexual connection and increase stamina and energy. 2C-B is still considered by many to be the best psychedelic to use during sex of all time. In Shulgin’s own words, 2C-B “... is, in my opinion, one of the most graceful, erotic, sensual, introspective compounds I have ever invented.” 2C-B reached mainstream popularity sometime after 1985 when MDMA was officially banned. It was used as a legal alternative to MDMA. 2C-B and the rest of the 2C- family were later banned in 1995.
Receptor Profile
Receptor Actions
History & Culture
1974–1975
2C-B was first synthesized in 1974 by American chemist Alexander Shulgin while investigating novel psychedelic compounds based on the chemical structure of mescaline, specifically exploring homologues of DOB. Its psychoactive properties were discovered on June 25, 1975, when Shulgin tested the compound on himself and described it as "beautifully active." He subsequently published his findings on 2C-B alongside those for 2C-D in the scientific literature that same year, proposing both compounds for potential use in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Shulgin's comprehensive documentation of 2C-B was later included in his 1991 book PiHKAL (Phenethylamines I Have Known And Loved), where he listed it among the "magical half-dozen" psychedelic phenethylamines he considered most important. This distinguished group also included mescaline, DOM, 2C-E, 2C-T-2, and 2C-T-7. In subsequent interviews, Shulgin repeatedly identified 2C-B as his personal favorite psychedelic compound.
1970s–present
Following its discovery, 2C-B found its first applications among a small circle of American psychotherapists during the 1970s. These practitioners considered it one of the most suitable substances for therapeutic contexts due to its relatively short duration, mild side effect profile, and gentle overall character compared to other psychedelics. Therapists who employed 2C-B in clinical settings reported that it facilitated a warm, empathetic connection between practitioner and patient. They found that the substance helped break down ego defenses and inner resistances, allowing patients to access suppressed emotions and repressed memories. However, some accounts suggest that therapeutic use was eventually discontinued due to gastrointestinal side effects and the compound's lack of strong entactogenic properties compared to other options.
1985–1995
After MDMA was classified as a Schedule I substance in the United States in 1985, 2C-B emerged as a popular alternative in the recreational drug scene. It was first encountered as a novel designer drug in the United States that same year and gained traction in raves and club settings, where users appreciated its minimal comedown and clear, euphoric headspace. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, several companies legally manufactured and marketed 2C-B as an over-the-counter sexual enhancer. The German pharmaceutical company Drittewelle produced it under the brand name "Erox" for sale in adult stores and some nightclubs across European countries including Germany. In the Netherlands, it was sold in smart shops under the name "Nexus" as a legal ecstasy alternative. In Japan, it was marketed as "Performax" until the country scheduled the substance in the summer of 1998. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reported its distribution in Miami in the form of yellow pills marketed as an aphrodisiac. The increasing popularity of 2C-B as both a recreational substance and commercial product led to regulatory action. It was placed in Schedule I in the United States in 1994, with permanent scheduling following in 1995. Most other countries enacted similar controls throughout the mid-1990s, and by 1999 it was illegal in most of the world. The compound was added to Schedule II of the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances in March 2001. Despite these restrictions, interest in 2C-B resurged in the 2000s with the emergence of the research chemicals scene and the development of darknet markets.
1993–1996
2C-B was legally sold in Southern Africa from 1993 until early 1996, during which time it was adopted as an entheogen by traditional healers among the Sangoma, Nyanga, and Amagqirha peoples. The substance was marketed specifically as medicine for Sangomas under the name "Ubulawu Nomathotholo," which roughly translates to "Medicine of the Singing Ancestors." These practitioners reportedly used 2C-B in place of their traditional plant medicines during this period.
Subjective Effect Notes
physical: The physical effects of 2C-B can be broken down into five components all of which progressively intensify proportional to dosage.
cognitive: The head space of 2C-B is described by many as one which is both insightful and relatively normal in its thought processes even at moderate to high dosages.
Effect Profile
Curated + 536 ReportsStrong visuals with moderate auditory effects, mild body load and headspace
User Experiences
Strong sensory enhancement with mild euphoria and stimulation, low empathy
User Experiences
Duration Timeline
BluelightEmpirical Duration
Erowid ReportsCommunity Effects
TripSitTolerance & Pharmacokinetics
drugs.wikiTolerance Decay
Psychedelic tolerance is marked after one session and tends to return close to baseline within 1–2 weeks; spacing experiences by at least 2 weeks is common HR advice.
Cross-Tolerances
Demographics
Gender Distribution
Age Distribution
Reports Over Time
Effect Analysis
Erowid + BluelightEffects aggregated from 444 experience reports (394 Erowid + 142 Bluelight)
Effect Sentiment Distribution
Confidence Distribution
Positive Effects 69
Adverse Effects 48
Dose-Response Correlation
How effect frequency changes across dose levels
Insufflated
View data table
| Effect | Strong (n=14) | Heavy (n=19) |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Distortions | 100.0% | 73.7% |
| Color Enhancement | 92.9% | 73.7% |
| Anxiety | 71.4% | 57.9% |
| Euphoria | 64.3% | 36.8% |
| Confusion | 35.7% | 63.2% |
| Music Enhancement | 50.0% | 57.9% |
| Stimulation | 57.1% | 26.3% |
| Auditory Effects | 42.9% | 52.6% |
| Tactile Enhancement | 42.9% | 42.1% |
| Nausea | 35.7% | 36.8% |
| Empathy | 35.7% | 36.8% |
| Focus Enhancement | 35.7% | 26.3% |
| Motor Impairment | 28.6% | 0% |
| Closed-Eye Visuals | 28.6% | 10.5% |
| Sedation | 28.6% | 0% |
Oral
View data table
| Effect | Light (n=12) | Common (n=64) | Strong (n=49) | Heavy (n=17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Distortions | 83.3% | 89.1% | 89.8% | 100.0% |
| Color Enhancement | 41.7% | 57.8% | 73.5% | 64.7% |
| Music Enhancement | 58.3% | 50.0% | 61.2% | 70.6% |
| Stimulation | 58.3% | 65.6% | 55.1% | 41.2% |
| Euphoria | 50.0% | 54.7% | 51.0% | 52.9% |
| Tactile Enhancement | 25.0% | 54.7% | 40.8% | 29.4% |
| Confusion | 33.3% | 46.9% | 28.6% | 52.9% |
| Empathy | 33.3% | 51.6% | 49.0% | 52.9% |
| Anxiety | 16.7% | 46.9% | 46.9% | 41.2% |
| Focus Enhancement | 25.0% | 26.6% | 30.6% | 41.2% |
| Closed-Eye Visuals | 25.0% | 34.4% | 34.7% | 41.2% |
| Sedation | 16.7% | 35.9% | 28.6% | 17.6% |
| Introspection | 0% | 35.9% | 28.6% | 23.5% |
| Nausea | 25.0% | 29.7% | 30.6% | 35.3% |
| Auditory Effects | 0% | 25.0% | 26.5% | 35.3% |
Subjective Effect Ontology
Experience ReportsStructured effect tags extracted from 536 Erowid & Bluelight experience reports using a controlled vocabulary of 220+ canonical effects across 15 domains.
Auditory
Cognitive
Emotional
Gastrointestinal
Motor
Tactile
Visual
Dose–Effect Mapping
Experience ReportsHow reported effects shift across dose tiers, based on 394 experience reports.
| Effect | Strong (n=14) | Heavy (n=19) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| visual distortions | ↓ | ||
| color enhancement | ↓ | ||
| anxiety | ↓ | ||
| euphoria | ↓ | ||
| confusion | ↑ | ||
| music enhancement | ↑ | ||
| stimulation | ↓ | ||
| auditory effects | ↑ | ||
| tactile enhancement | → | ||
| nausea | → | ||
| empathy | → | ||
| focus enhancement | ↓ | ||
| motor impairment | — | → | |
| closed-eye visuals | ↓ | ||
| sedation | — | → | |
| sweating | ↓ | ||
| hospital | ↑ | ||
| introspection | — | → | |
| open-eye visuals | ↓ | ||
| body high | ↑ |
Showing top 20 of 25 effects
| Effect | Light (n=12) | Common (n=64) | Strong (n=49) | Heavy (n=17) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visual distortions | ↑ | ||||
| color enhancement | ↑ | ||||
| music enhancement | ↑ | ||||
| stimulation | ↓ | ||||
| euphoria | → | ||||
| tactile enhancement | ↑ | ||||
| confusion | ↑ | ||||
| empathy | ↑ | ||||
| anxiety | ↑ | ||||
| focus enhancement | ↑ | ||||
| closed-eye visuals | ↑ | ||||
| sedation | → | ||||
| introspection | — | ↓ | |||
| nausea | ↑ | ||||
| auditory effects | — | ↑ | |||
| dissociation | ↑ | ||||
| pupil dilation | — | ↑ | |||
| thought loops | ↓ | ||||
| body high | — | → | |||
| muscle tension | ↓ |
Showing top 20 of 34 effects
Risk Escalation
Sentiment AnalysisAverage frequency of positive vs adverse effects across dose tiers (Insufflated)
View effect breakdown
Adverse Effects
| Effect | Strong (n=14) | Heavy (n=19) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety | -18% | ||
| Confusion | +77% | ||
| Nausea | 3% | ||
| Motor Impairment | — | 0% | |
| Sweating | -63% | ||
| Seizure | — | 0% | |
| Psychosis | — | 0% | |
| Pupil Dilation | — | 0% | |
| Memory Suppression | — | 0% |
Positive Effects
| Effect | Strong (n=14) | Heavy (n=19) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color Enhancement | -20% | ||
| Euphoria | -42% | ||
| Music Enhancement | +15% | ||
| Stimulation | -53% | ||
| Tactile Enhancement | -1% | ||
| Empathy | 3% | ||
| Focus Enhancement | -26% | ||
| Introspection | — | 0% | |
| Body High | +47% |
Risk Escalation
Sentiment AnalysisAverage frequency of positive vs adverse effects across dose tiers (Oral)
View effect breakdown
Adverse Effects
| Effect | Light (n=12) | Common (n=64) | Strong (n=49) | Heavy (n=17) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Confusion | +58% | ||||
| Anxiety | +146% | ||||
| Nausea | +41% | ||||
| Pupil Dilation | — | +212% | |||
| Thought Loops | -29% | ||||
| Muscle Tension | -29% | ||||
| Jaw Clenching | -29% | ||||
| Headache | — | -5% | |||
| Memory Suppression | — | +25% | |||
| Increased Heart Rate | — | +151% | |||
| Motor Impairment | — | — | +64% | ||
| Sweating | — | — | +32% | ||
| Seizure | — | — | — | 0% | |
| Psychosis | — | — | — | 0% |
Positive Effects
| Effect | Light (n=12) | Common (n=64) | Strong (n=49) | Heavy (n=17) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color Enhancement | +55% | ||||
| Music Enhancement | +21% | ||||
| Stimulation | -29% | ||||
| Euphoria | 5% | ||||
| Tactile Enhancement | +17% | ||||
| Empathy | +58% | ||||
| Focus Enhancement | +64% | ||||
| Introspection | — | -34% | |||
| Body High | — | -2% | |||
| Creativity Enhancement | — | — | -6% | ||
| Pain Relief | — | — | — | 0% |
Dosage Distribution
Dose distribution from experience reports
Insufflated
Oral
Real-World Dose Distribution
62K DosesFrom 519 individual dose entries
Oral (n=308)
Insufflated (n=94)
Rectal (n=11)
Common Combinations
Most co-occurring substances in experience reports
Form / Preparation
Most common forms and preparations reported
Body-Weight Dosing
Dose relative to body weight from reports with weight data
Insufflated
Unknown
Oral
Rectal
Redose Patterns
Redosing behavior across 263 reports
Legal Status
| Country | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Schedule I | Classified as a Schedule I controlled substance alongside similar phenethylamines such as 2C-I and 2C-T-2. |
| Australia | Schedule 9 | Considered a prohibited substance under the Poisons Standard. First placed on Schedule One of the Drugs Misuse and Trafficking Act in 1994 and included on the list of substances subject to import and export controls. Also falls under the Australian analogue act provisions. |
| Austria | Illegal (SMG Schedule V) | Prohibited under the Suchtmittelgesetz (SMG). Specifically listed in Schedule V of the Suchtgiftverordnung, making possession, production, and sale illegal. |
| Belgium | Illegal | Added to the list of illegal psychotropic substances on April 30, 2002. Production, distribution, and possession are prohibited. |
| Brazil | Controlled | Listed on Portaria SVS/MS nº 344, making production, distribution, and possession illegal. |
| Canada | Schedule III (CDSA) | Classified under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act as '4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxybenzeneethanamine and any salt, isomer or salt of isomer thereof.' Originally scheduled in April 1997, then rescheduled in an amendment effective October 31, 2016 to include other 2C-x analogues. |
| Chile | Controlled | Added to Ley 20.000 (known as Ley de drogas) in August 2007 along with many other psychoactive substances. |
| Croatia | Illegal | Prohibited as a result of being classified as a 2,5-dimethoxyphenylethanamine derivative. |
| Czech Republic | Schedule II | Possession of more than 200 mg is punishable by up to two years imprisonment. Smaller amounts may result in a fine. The 200 mg threshold serves as a guideline which courts may adjust based on circumstances. |
| Denmark | List B | Classified as a Category B controlled substance under Danish drug legislation. |
| Estonia | Schedule I | Classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, prohibiting possession, production, and distribution. |
| Finland | Controlled (hard-drug category) | Listed in the government decree on substances, preparations, and plants considered to be narcotic drugs, classified in the hard-drug category. |
| Germany | Anlage I BtMG | Controlled under Anlage I of the Betäubungsmittelgesetz (Narcotics Act) since January 31, 1993, listed as 'Bromdimethoxyphenethylamin' (BDMPEA). Manufacturing, possession, import, export, purchase, sale, procurement, and dispensing without a license are prohibited. |
| Italy | Tabella I | Listed in Tabella I of 'Tabelle delle sostanze stupefacenti e psicotrope,' making possession, purchase, and sale illegal. |
| Japan | Scheduled | Controlled since Summer 1998. Prior to scheduling, it was marketed as a sexual enhancement product under the name 'Performax.' |
| Latvia | Schedule I | Classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, prohibiting possession, production, and distribution. |
| Luxembourg | Prohibited | Classified as a prohibited substance since 2001. |
| Netherlands | List I (Opiumwet) | Scheduled as a hard drug under the Opium Law on July 9, 1997. The Netherlands became the first country to ban 2C-B and related phenethylamines (2C-I, 2C-T-2, 2C-T-7) following the emergence of these substances as alternatives. |
| Norway | Schedule II | Classified as Schedule II since March 22, 2004, listed under the name 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine. |
| Poland | Schedule I (I-P group) | Listed in the I-P group under 'Wykaz środków odurzających i substancji psychotropowych.' Possession has been illegal since 2015. |
| Russia | Controlled (narcotic) | Banned as a narcotic drug since October 2011. Possession of 10 mg or more carries criminal penalties. |
| Serbia | Controlled | Classified as a controlled substance under national drug legislation. |
| Spain | Category 2 | Added to Category 2 prohibited substances in 2002. |
| Sweden | Schedule I | Currently classified as Schedule I. First regulated on April 1, 1999 as a 'health hazard' under the Act on the Prohibition of Certain Goods Dangerous to Health (SFS 1999:58), then promoted to Schedule I effective June 1, 2002. |
| Switzerland | Controlled (Verzeichnis D) | Listed in Anhang D (Verzeichnis D) of the Verordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel (DetMV). Possession is illegal. |
| Turkey | Illegal | Classified as a controlled drug. Possession, production, supply, and import are prohibited. |
| United Kingdom | Class A | Controlled as a Class A substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act due to the phenethylamine catch-all clause, applying to all drugs in the 2C family. Production, supply, and possession are illegal. Possession carries a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment; supply is punishable by life imprisonment and an unlimited fine. |
| United States | Schedule I | Classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. Initially scheduled on January 6, 1994, with permanent scheduling effective June 2, 1995 following a DEA proposal in December 1994. Manufacturing, purchasing, possession, and distribution without a DEA license are prohibited. |
Harm Reduction
drugs.wikiHarm-reduction justifications and key points:
- Steep dose–response: multiple harm-reduction services and Erowid emphasize that 1–2 mg can markedly change intensity; start low and titrate with an accurate 0.001 g scale or volumetric dosing to mitigate accidental overdosing.
- Intranasal route is far more potent per mg, has rapid onset, and is notably painful; prefer tiny, well-measured amounts or a volumetric nasal spray; expect a shorter, sharper experience.
- Typical oral active window is ~4–6 h with an additional 2–4 h of residual stimulation; plan set/setting, nutrition, and sleep accordingly.
- Tablets/pills labeled as 2C-B vary widely and are sometimes confused with MDMA presses; Swiss drug checking shows many different 2C-B presses around ~13–16 mg and occasional mislabeling or admixture; always reagent-test and, where possible, use professional drug checking.
- Reagent expectations for 2C‑B: Marquis usually yellow→green within ~10–60 s (may darken later), Mecke/Froehde yellowish; Simon’s negative. Read within the first minute and avoid expired reagents to reduce false interpretations.
- Avoid MAOIs: historical guides and community data warn of significant potentiation and risk when MAOIs are combined with 2C‑x phenethylamines.
- Combining with strong stimulants or high alcohol loads increases cardiovascular strain and disinhibition; several harm-reduction guides list tachycardia/hypertension among common physical effects of 2C‑x; avoid driving for the rest of the day.
- MDMA+2C‑B ("nexus flip"): commonly reported but increases total serotonergic/stimulant load; if attempted, reduce each dose and stagger timing (e.g., 2C‑B after MDMA peak) to lower risk of overheating, anxiety, and confusion.
- SSRIs/SNRIs frequently blunt 2C‑x psychedelic effects; cross-tolerance with other serotonergic psychedelics is expected for 1–2 weeks—plan adequate spacing.
- Safer sniffing: if using intranasally, employ fine powder or isotonic solution, avoid caustic adulterants, and rinse with sterile saline after ~20–30 min to reduce mucosal injury.
- Set/setting and anxiety: even at ‘party’ doses, acute panic can occur; have a trusted sober sitter and benzodiazepines reserved for emergencies only, at minimal doses due to respiratory/coordination risks.
- Do not rely on blotters labeled 2C‑B: 2C‑B is typically sold as powder/capsules or pressed pills; blotters often indicate NBOMe/NBOH/DOx which have microgram potency and higher risk profiles.
- Driving/next-day: performance impairment can persist beyond the subjective offset; harm-reduction leaflets advise waiting until the following day (≥24 h) before driving.
- Hydration/temperature: mild stimulant properties and environment (e.g., clubs) can raise body temperature—sip water regularly, take cool-down breaks, and avoid overhydration.
- Testing for identity vs. strength: reagent tests confirm likely class but not dose; only a lab or LC–MS quantitation can confirm mg content—assume variability and calibrate dose with your own product.
References
Data Sources
Cited References
- Acute Pharmacological Effects of 2C-B in Humans
- Acute Effects of the Novel Psychoactive Drug 2C-B on Emotions
- Alcohol and Drug Foundation: 2C-B Facts
- DEA Diversion Control: 4-Bromo-2,5-DMPEA Brief
- Erowid: 2C-B FAQ
- KnowDrugs: 2C-B Substance Profile
- PiHKAL: 2C-B Entry #20
- Release UK: 2C-B Harm Reduction Guide
- Substance UVic Drug-Checking One-Sheet
- Acute Pharmacological Effects of 2C-B in Humans
- Bluelight thread: ‘2C-B as a party drug?’
- Talk to Frank: 2C family overview
- Recovery Village – 2C-B Addiction Profile
Drugs.wiki References
- Erowid 2C‑B Vault: Basics (dose, onset, duration, bodyload)
- Erowid 2C‑B Vault: Dose/Dosage
- Erowid 2C‑B FAQ (intranasal pain, rapid onset)
- TripSit wiki: Psychedelics (tolerance spacing, hydration)
- TripSit update: Drug Combination Chart (general interaction guidance)
- Drug Users Bible – 2C‑B overview/dosage collation
- Saferparty.ch – multiple 2C‑B pill checks (13–16 mg) and cautions
- Saferparty.ch – 2C‑B pill with trace MDMA; dosing caution
- Saferparty.ch – mis-sold ‘2C‑B’ powder containing ketamine
- ReagentTesting subreddit threads – expected 2C‑B reagent colours (Marquis yellow→green; Simon’s negative)