Pink Cocaine: What is it and Where Did it Come From?

Despite the nickname it’s recently earned in its rise to popularity, pink cocaine is not actually cocaine; it’s only named that way. In fact, it has no real relation to cocaine. Pink cocaine is a synthetic party drug that’s especially popular among teens. Also more formerly known as 2C-B, pink cocaine has various side effects, including the potential for overdose which can harm both one’s physical and mental well-being. 

Where Did Pink Cocaine Come From?

Although 2C-B was created in the seventies as a therapeutic aid, it began appearing again at a high rate in South America in 2007. It then became very popular and a major part of the drug trade. ‘Pink cocaine’ is a stimulant and hallucinogenic drug that’s popular among club or party goers. 

Since 2007, though, it has been found in Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia, and is used most frequently by elites in these settings. Pink cocaine has given the substance the reputation of a designer drug as Colombian high-society citizens appear to use it most frequently. Pink cocaine (also referred to as Tucibi- a more literal spelling of 2C-B, and sometimes ‘tuci’ for short) is thought to be heavily relied upon by Colombian drug cartels due to its high cost and high demand. 

Where Did Pink Cocaine Get its Name?

2C-B was believed to first be sold as ‘pink cocaine’ in major cities such as Bogota, Medellin, Barranquilla, and Cartagena, according to law enforcement officials in South America. A variety of psychoactive substances and additives have been identified in toxicology reports on pink cocaine. Because 2C-B is typically white in color, it is dyed pink to provide contrast from regular 2C-B, making pink cocaine appear as a completely different, new, and exciting product, despite its traceable earlier origin. Other names for this kind of drug include Venus, Nexus, Erox, and Toonies, amongst others.

What is 2C-B?

Synthesized in 1974 to aid in therapy, 2C-B, a psychedelic drug in the family of 2C drugs, is part of the group of designer (or synthetic and modified to not technically be elicit) drugs similar to Ecstasy and MDMA. There has been little research done on 2C drugs, so it is unknown whether or not using this family of drugs as a therapeutic aid offers any real advantages. Likely, they do not.

In 1985, when MDMA became illegal, 2C-B became a street drug in the nightlife scene as a more legal alternative. 2C-B is now classified as an illegal Schedule I drug in the United States, which means it has no recognized medical use and has a high potential for abuse. As a result, it is on a similar level as Heroin and LSD, which are on the Schedule I list. Although 2C-B is not as popular as other drugs used at raves and parties, it has recently become more commonplace at nightclubs all around the world. 

Most people nowadays take 2C drugs to experience the euphoric and psychedelic effects. 2C drugs are typically snorted, swallowed, or smoked and come in tablet form or powder form. Pink powder, pills, or capsules can be acquired and turned pink in two ways: either by combining other substances with 2C-B, or by dyes being added to it. 2C-B can be pink powder, pink crystals, white powder, white crystals, or off-white capsules. Sometimes, a combination of drugs is dyed pink and sold as 2C-B, such as MDMA, caffeine, cocaine, and ketamine. 

The Difference Between Pink Cocaine Vs. Cocaine

While cocaine and pink cocaine share some similarities, such as the potential for addiction and chemical dependence, they differ in their composition and effects. Cocaine is a concentrated and refined form of the coca plant, known as cocaine hydrochloride, that has both stimulant and anesthetic properties. Due to its medical applications and abuse potential, it is classified as a Schedule II substance in the U.S.

On the other hand, pink cocaine is a synthetic drug made from phenylethylamine, which interacts with the serotonin system in the body to produce psychoactive effects. It is not derived from the coca plant like traditional cocaine.

Effects of Pink Cocaine

Snorting the drug leads to a burning sensation and is quite painful. Beginning your high with a painful and negative experience can set a bad tone for the remainder of your high, which is important to keep in mind. Despite the initial onset of pain, when someone begins to snort drugs, they experience effects in about 30 minutes. Users will often experience excitement, warmth, nervousness, and tingling sensations in the first phase of intoxication from pink cocaine. Sexual and physical arousal may occur and possibly persist throughout the high. Users may experience euphoria, similar to that of MDMA, in addition to the above effects.

Users may also experience mild visual effects like facial distortions, shifting colors, or enhanced ‘sight’ of sounds. On higher doses, users might experience more intense hallucinations that are unpleasant or frightening. People may also experience claustrophobia and muscle clenching as a result of snorting pink cocaine.

Side Effects of Pink Cocaine

Pink Cocaine is a man-made drug and as a result contains many components that are not naturally pure, which may cause varied bodily reactions. The following are some potential side effects of 2C-B: 

• delayed reaction time
• narrowed eyes
• loss of consciousness
• itching on the face and arms, constipation
• pain relief
• slowed breathing and heart rate
• drowsiness
• pale or flushed skin tone

Pink Cocaine Overdose Symptoms:

Even a small amount of 2C-B can lead to overdose due to the impurities. Look out for these symptoms of a pink cocaine overdose:

• vomit (or vomiting sounds)  
• clammy skin 
• shallow breathing  
• blue hue to the face, lips, and fingernails
• weak body
• unresponsiveness
• weak body  
• coma

If you experience or see a loved one experience any of the symptoms listed above, call 911 immediately. 

Dangers of Pink Cocaine

Taking 2C-B may pose a major danger to users because it can (often) contain additional ingredients and other drugs such as opioids (including fentanyl). Cutting pink cocaine with other drugs may cause an overdose or other serious and unpleasant side effects. It is also possible for pink cocaine to contain contaminants as dangerous as levamisole, a worm medication that might cause deadly complications in combination with cocaine.

Future of Pink Cocaine

As often happens with drugs as they become more popular and valuable, the composition of pink cocaine is being infiltrated by more and more dealers substituting cheaper street drugs in place of 2C-B’s normal structural components in order to save money, as well as get more people hooked on the drug. 

As 2C-B becomes more and more of a popular drug in Buenos Aires’ upper and middle classes, Colombian traffickers continue to expand the drug’s appeal by using cutting agents to sell to different social classes. According to a Colombian non-governmental organization, in 95 percent of cases, 2C-B is sold as a fake and contaminated substitute. Unfortunately, this trend is likely to continue as this pink cocaine craze grows. 

In Conclusion

Pink cocaine is a synthetic party drug that is especially popular both with adolescents and (in a cleaner, more pure form) also amongst the rich and famous in South America right now. It was known almost exclusively as 2C-B prior to the recent spike in its popularity. The drug is now most commonly referred to as ‘pink cocaine’. To make 2C-B look like a fresh, new, and exciting product, it is dyed pink to contrast with regular 2C-B, which is typically white in color. Despite its euphoric high,  pink cocaine has various side effects, including the potential for overdose.

A Pink Cocaine habit is both physically and mentally damaging. To successfully surrender a harmful addiction like this, an accredited rehabilitation center is the ideal environment for healing and long-term recovery. It’s critical to enter an institution that offers the optimal environment for healing and long-term recovery. Once detox is completed, a patient will undergo a thorough treatment program, which includes behavioral therapy, extensive counseling, and peer support. A quality program provides excellent care and a large, intriguing alumni network, enabling patients to achieve and maintain long-term recovery. 

Oasis Recovery Center Can Help

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent unhealthy behaviors like pink cocaine use and help those who are already struggling. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health, it is important to get treatment. At Oasis Recovery Center treatment specialists utilize a 12-step program and practice holistic rehabilitation. 

Services at the center include:

Partial Hospitalization Program – At Oasis Recovery Center we offer a partial hospitalization program for clients who need post-residential treatment as well as for clients who need primary treatment but are unable to enroll in inpatient programs. Our PHP track offers a variety of therapeutic services and benefits to individuals in early recovery from substance addiction.  

Outpatient Rehabilitation – During intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), clients live at home or in a sober living residence while completing an addiction treatment program. IOP is a place where clients can process their experiences in twelve-step fellowships and support one another in those individual journeys.

Addiction is difficult to overcome alone. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call and speak with an addiction expert today.