Despite what you may think, pink cocaine is synthetic phenylethylamine or 2C-B, not a form of cocaine. 2C-B is made to mimic hallucinogens and is illegal in the U.S.

This is a relatively new drug and has similar stimulant effects to ecstasy — hence its common name and comparison to cocaine. It is incredibly dangerous and highly addictive.

Pink cocaine can be found in pill forms or a pink powder. In addition to the slang term pink cocaine, the substance is also known as tucibi.

As there is no regulation for the production of pink cocaine, it’s also often mixed with other substances like MDMA, caffeine, amphetamines, ketamine, or even the extremely harmful opioid fentanyl.

The History Of Pink Cocaine

Though pink cocaine has become more popular in recent years, the substance actually has a bit of history.

Alexander Shulgin

The history of pink cocaine starts with Alexander Shulgin, an American chemist. Shulgin is known for creating ecstasy, which quickly became a popular party drug.

In 1974, Shulgin developed 2C-B. Shortly after, the substance was sold in America under names like Nexus, Performax, and Erox with the promise to increase libido.

Party Drug In South America

While pink cocaine started to gain some traction when it was being sold in the ‘80s and ‘90s, it was introduced to South America around 2007. This is when it started to become very popular and a part of the drug trafficking scene.

Once it reached South America, the substance garnered the name pink cocaine. It became, and still remains to be, a popular party drug due to its stimulant and hallucinogenic effects.

The drug has been found in Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia and seems to be used more frequently among the elite in club or party settings.

The trending use of pink cocaine among high-society Colombian citizens has given the substance the reputation of a designer drug.

Tucibi is heavily associated with Colombian drug cartels due to its high price and high demand.

How Pink Cocaine Is Abused

Like most illegal drugs, there are a few ways to use pink cocaine, which typically depends on the form it’s in.

The most straightforward way to take pink cocaine is in pill form. In this form, the drug can be taken orally.

Snorting Pink Cocaine

Another popular way to use pink cocaine is by snorting it. Snorting a drug involves crushing it up if it’s not already in powder form.

From there, the powder is separated into thin lines which are then snorted through the nose. Snorting pink cocaine often results in a faster onset of effects than taking it orally.

Injecting Pink Cocaine

Unlike other illegal substances, pink cocaine is not typically injected. More often it is taken orally or snorted, which may be due to how frequently it’s used in public places where injecting would not be convenient or appropriate.

Effects Of Pink Cocaine

Pink cocaine is often assumed to be harmless in comparison to other drugs due to the party culture that surrounds it.

However, the abuse of pink cocaine is just as dangerous and potentially addictive as any other drug. It is also associated with hazardous effects, even in small doses.

Effects of pink cocaine may include:

• hallucinations
• increased heart rate
• euphoria
• heightened senses

Based on the occurrence of pleasant side effects, it’s clear how easy it is to become addicted to this drug in a short amount of time.

The Difference Between Pink Cocaine And Other Forms Of Cocaine

As mentioned above, pink cocaine is not a form of cocaine. So, what makes this substance different from forms of cocaine?

The biggest difference between pink cocaine and other forms of cocaine is the way they are derived.

Cocaine hydrochloride, the white powder you may think of when you hear “cocaine,” is derived from coca leaves whereas pink cocaine is synthetic. In other words, the latter is man-made rather than naturally occurring.

Another difference is the effects of forms of cocaine versus the effects of pink cocaine. Both drugs tend to cause a “rush” or euphoric feeling which comes from the stimulant effects.

Although, pink cocaine also has psychedelic effects that other forms of cocaine do not have.

Dangers Of Pink Cocaine Abuse

Although the effects of pink cocaine may seem enticing, there are also a variety of dangers associated with abusing this drug.

Pink cocaine dangers may include:

• nausea and vomiting
• seizures
• cardiac arrest
• respiratory arrest
• death

As you can see, the effects of pink cocaine can vary from mild to severe and be incredibly harmful.

Using this drug is very risky and can result in addiction if not permanent damage to your body.

Treatment Programs For Cocaine Addiction

Using pink cocaine can easily lead you down a path of addiction and risky behaviors. If you or someone you know has an addiction, seeking out medical advice is vital.

Bedrock Recovery Center, located in Massachusetts, is a highly reviewed rehabilitation facility with a variety of cocaine abuse treatment programs available.

Addiction treatment can vary between every individual, which is why Bedrock offers options. The three categories of treatment offered here are detoxification, inpatient programs, and medication-assisted treatment.

In addition to inpatient treatment, clients can also opt for outpatient treatment, depending on their needs and what they are comfortable with.

Support groups and recovery education are also available at Bedrock.

Find Addiction Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

Drug addiction is a fast-acting medical condition. If you or your loved one are looking for help with cocaine use, call our helpline at Bedrock Recovery Center today.

Sources

1. InSight Crime — 2CB Now Drug of Choice for Colombia Elite
2. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) — About Synthetic Drugs
3. U.S. DEA — Cocaine
4. U.S. Department of Justice — 2C-B (Nexus) Reappears on the Club Drug Scene