THE SCOOP EXCLUSIVE REPORT 2CB-WHAT IS IT?
Bromo, Nexus, CB, Performax, Spectrum, Venus, Erox, Cloud Nine, Toonies.
An hallucinogen related to ecstasy also known as Nexus or Brom, or by chemists as
4-Bromo-2,5-Dimethoxyphenethylamine. A relative newcomer to the UK illicit market, it
made its emergence on the dance scene as an alternative and a complementary drug
to ecstasy. The drug is sold either as a white powder or as small pills.
Legal status
2CB is categorised as belonging to the ecstasy family of drugs, and is therefore a
Class A drug. It is illegal to produce, supply or posses the drug in any form. No doctor
can prescribe it and anybody wanting to use it for research purposes has to obtain a
licence from the Home Office.
Production and supply
2CB was developed by Alexander Shulgin, an American chemist responsible for over
200 psychoactive compounds, nearly all of which he has administered to himself. Most
of what we know in the literature is based on his accounts. The drug is manufactured
in illegal laboratories at home and abroad. Production sources as far away as India
and Thailand have been reported, with routes passing through Turkey and the Balkans
on its way to Europe.
As a relatively uncommon drug, prices vary. For a standard dose of 20mg of 2CB
prices start at £5, going up to £25 for stronger doses of around 40mg.
Prevalence
At the moment there are no figures for levels of use in the UK. Clubbers and ravers are
more likely to come across the drug than other user groups.
How is it used?
Seen as a complimentary drug to ecstasy, 2CB was sold on the premise that if taken at
the peak of ecstasy intoxication, heightened stimulation would ensue, lengthening the
peroid of the high. Its use therefore is closely identified with ecstasy and the dance
scene, although it also taken on its own. The drug is normally swallowed, but it can
also be snorted or smoked.
Short-term effects
2CB is highly dose sensitive. In its pure state the drug is active at 15 to 40 mg,
depending on one's body size and sensitivity. At lower doses the drug is described as
an energetic experience similar to ecstasy. At higher doses the experience is similar
to that of LSD and ecstasy. People have reported heightened visual imagery, acute
awareness of their bodies and increased sensitivity to smells, tastes and sexual
stimulation. At low doses, users report feeling 'in touch with themselves' and often
report erotic sensations. At higher doses, users indicate that moving objects seem to
leave 'trails' behind them. Surfaces sometimes appear covered with geometric
patterns and seem to move or breathe. Listening to music in conjunction with taking
2C-B reportedly causes patterns, colours, and movements to be distorted.
This table represents estimates from various users of the drug's effects: [1]
Stage Time
Onset 20-90 minutes
Coming Up 15-30 minutes
Plateau 2-3 hours
Coming down 2 hours
Aftereffects 2-4 hours
Mixing with other drugs
Because the drug is relatively new and not widespread, little is known both anecdotally
and clinically about the drug's effects when taken with other drugs. When taken
together with ecstasy the drug is said to intensify feelings of exhilaration, extending
the length of intoxication. Feelings of nausea and anxiety are likely to intensify if
combined. As with ecstasy and amphetamine, this drug should not be taken with MAOI
anti-depressants.
Long-term effects
There are no selective studies into the effects of 2CB use. However, experience from
other drugs such as ecstasy and LSD, suggest that regular use can leave the user
feeling fatigued, disorientated, and anxious. Users may also experience depression,
and in vulnerable individuals may experience psychotic syndromes, visual illusions,
panic attacks and depersonalisation.
Latest news
Recently DrugScope has had reports of 2Ci (2,5-DIMETHOXY-4-ODOPHENETHYLAMINE)
being used in preference to 2CB. It is believed to be stronger than 2CB, and the effects
last for a longer time.
[1] 2C-B (Nexus) reappears on the Club Drug Scene. US Department of Justice
Information Bulletin, 2001.
Bromo, Nexus, CB, Performax, Spectrum, Venus, Erox, Cloud Nine, Toonies.
An hallucinogen related to ecstasy also known as Nexus or Brom, or by chemists as
4-Bromo-2,5-Dimethoxyphenethylamine. A relative newcomer to the UK illicit market, it
made its emergence on the dance scene as an alternative and a complementary drug
to ecstasy. The drug is sold either as a white powder or as small pills.
Legal status
2CB is categorised as belonging to the ecstasy family of drugs, and is therefore a
Class A drug. It is illegal to produce, supply or posses the drug in any form. No doctor
can prescribe it and anybody wanting to use it for research purposes has to obtain a
licence from the Home Office.
Production and supply
2CB was developed by Alexander Shulgin, an American chemist responsible for over
200 psychoactive compounds, nearly all of which he has administered to himself. Most
of what we know in the literature is based on his accounts. The drug is manufactured
in illegal laboratories at home and abroad. Production sources as far away as India
and Thailand have been reported, with routes passing through Turkey and the Balkans
on its way to Europe.
As a relatively uncommon drug, prices vary. For a standard dose of 20mg of 2CB
prices start at £5, going up to £25 for stronger doses of around 40mg.
Prevalence
At the moment there are no figures for levels of use in the UK. Clubbers and ravers are
more likely to come across the drug than other user groups.
How is it used?
Seen as a complimentary drug to ecstasy, 2CB was sold on the premise that if taken at
the peak of ecstasy intoxication, heightened stimulation would ensue, lengthening the
peroid of the high. Its use therefore is closely identified with ecstasy and the dance
scene, although it also taken on its own. The drug is normally swallowed, but it can
also be snorted or smoked.
Short-term effects
2CB is highly dose sensitive. In its pure state the drug is active at 15 to 40 mg,
depending on one's body size and sensitivity. At lower doses the drug is described as
an energetic experience similar to ecstasy. At higher doses the experience is similar
to that of LSD and ecstasy. People have reported heightened visual imagery, acute
awareness of their bodies and increased sensitivity to smells, tastes and sexual
stimulation. At low doses, users report feeling 'in touch with themselves' and often
report erotic sensations. At higher doses, users indicate that moving objects seem to
leave 'trails' behind them. Surfaces sometimes appear covered with geometric
patterns and seem to move or breathe. Listening to music in conjunction with taking
2C-B reportedly causes patterns, colours, and movements to be distorted.
This table represents estimates from various users of the drug's effects: [1]
Stage Time
Onset 20-90 minutes
Coming Up 15-30 minutes
Plateau 2-3 hours
Coming down 2 hours
Aftereffects 2-4 hours
Mixing with other drugs
Because the drug is relatively new and not widespread, little is known both anecdotally
and clinically about the drug's effects when taken with other drugs. When taken
together with ecstasy the drug is said to intensify feelings of exhilaration, extending
the length of intoxication. Feelings of nausea and anxiety are likely to intensify if
combined. As with ecstasy and amphetamine, this drug should not be taken with MAOI
anti-depressants.
Long-term effects
There are no selective studies into the effects of 2CB use. However, experience from
other drugs such as ecstasy and LSD, suggest that regular use can leave the user
feeling fatigued, disorientated, and anxious. Users may also experience depression,
and in vulnerable individuals may experience psychotic syndromes, visual illusions,
panic attacks and depersonalisation.
Latest news
Recently DrugScope has had reports of 2Ci (2,5-DIMETHOXY-4-ODOPHENETHYLAMINE)
being used in preference to 2CB. It is believed to be stronger than 2CB, and the effects
last for a longer time.
[1] 2C-B (Nexus) reappears on the Club Drug Scene. US Department of Justice
Information Bulletin, 2001.
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