2C-B

How is 2C-B used?

2C-B is usually taken via the mouth (orally). 2C-B can be snorted, but anecdotal reports suggest this method of use can be very painful.⁴

Effects of 2C-B

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug. 

Psychedelics affect everyone differently, based on:

• size, weight and health
• whether the person is used to taking it
• whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• the amount taken
• the strength of the drug (varies from batch to batch)
• environment (where the drug is taken).

2C-B affects everyone differently, but effects may include:

• dry mouth
• increased blood pressure and heart rate
• nausea and vomiting
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• confidence
• euphoria
• feelings of well-being
• anxiety and panic
• change in perception
• hearing sounds
• confusion
• sexual arousal
• hallucinations
• insomnia.^{2, 4}

The effects of 2C-B typically last from four to eight hours. There have been anecdotal reports it can last for up to 12 hours.³

Impact of mood and environment

Drugs that affect a person’s mental state (psychoactive drugs) can also have varied effects depending on a person’s mood (often called the ‘set’) or the environment they’re in (the ‘setting’).

Set is a person’s state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations of what’s going to happen. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before using 2C-B may result in an unpleasant experience (bad trip).⁵

Setting is the environment in which someone consumes 2C-B – whether it’s known and familiar, who they’re with, if they’re indoors or outdoors, the type of music and light. For example, using 2C-B in a calm, quiet and relaxed environment could lead or contribute to a pleasant experience but being in a noisy, crowded place may result in a negative experience.⁵

Being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends and a safe environment before taking 2C-B reduces the risk of having a ‘bad’ trip.

Overdose

There have been no reported deaths from 2C-B, but deaths have occurred from the use of other 2C drugs.²

Coming down 

According to anecdotal user reports, the after-effects or comedown of taking 2C-B can last for around 2-4 hours.³

Long-term effects

To our best knowledge, there have been no scientific studies into the long-term effects of 2C-B use.

2C-B and mental health 

People with a family history of mental illness are more likely to experience anxiety or paranoia after using 2C-B. This is consistent with what the evidence tells us about people with mental illness and psychedelic use.⁶

Bad trips 

Some people may have negative experiences taking psychedelics, or experiences they find challenging. This can include experiencing:

• frightening or confronting hallucinations
• intense anxiety and confusion
• fear and paranoia.^{5, 7}

Tolerance and dependence

Similar to other psychedelics, 2C-B does not produce dependence. Some people that use 2C-B report a tolerance to it after regular use (more than once every five to seven days).³

Mixing 2C-B with other drugs 

The effects of taking 2C-B with other drugs − including over-the-counter or prescribed medications − can be unpredictable and dangerous.

2C-B + cannabis = a more intense psychedelic experience which could result in anxiety and increase the chances of having a ‘bad trip’.⁸

2C-B + tramadol = a lowering of the seizure threshold. May cause seizures in predisposed individuals.^{9, 10}

Reducing harm

• Start with a lower dose until you know how the drug affects you personally. It will be different for everyone due to factors such as weight, tolerance and metabolism.
• Always weigh the 2C-B before use, using a milligram scale. A 15mg dose will produce a very different experience to a 30mg dose.
• Consider the impact of mood and environment.
• Consider having a person to 'trip sit'. A person who remains sober and that can help out if needed.
• Avoid snorting as anecdotal user reports are this is extremely painful and can damage your nose and cause nose bleeds.^{3, 11}

Withdrawal

There is limited information regarding regular use of 2C-B and withdrawal symptoms.

Getting help

If your use of 2C-B is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.

Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs

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If you're looking for other information or support options, send us an email at druginfo@adf.org.au