What is 2C-B and what's the Story behind its Creation?
2C-B or 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine is a synthetic chemical in
the phenethylamine class. It is related structurally to mescaline, DOB
and distantly, to MDMA. 2C-B was first synthesized back in 1974 by Alexander
Shulgin, the American chemist better known as the man who first synthesized
MDMA (ecstasy) in '1976. Drug enthusiasts will already know of Shulgin
and his work, documented in his classic book PIKHAL: A Chemical Love Story
(acronymically known as Phenethylamines I Have Known And Loved) and would
have read with interest his discovery of over 200 other phenethylamines,
2C-B being one of his favourites. In the brave tradition of century old
science, Alexander and his wife Ann test most of the psychoactive compounds
out on themselves and are still continuing their work today, turning on
and tuning in despite being in their 70's (he was recently attempting
his most ambitious project to date - classifying the psychoactive compounds
that naturally occur in cacti - should be interesting).
However it was a year, after synthesizing 2C-B in '74, that Shulgin first
discovered its psychoactive properties, which he described as 'beautifully
active.' Regarding his many discoveries as 'research tools' into learning
about ones self and journey through life, Shulgin has spoken of 2C-B as
'a superb tool for learning and growth'.In fact 2C-B, like ecstasy is
sometimes chosen for use in psychedelic psychotherapy because of its short
duration and less 'pushy' character. Its popularity increased mainly in
the 1980's where it popped up on the rave scene as a legal ecstasy replacement
after E was scheduled becoming illegal in most countries. It has recently
quietly re-emerged in the UK and holds an interest for those who either
go clubbing - colours are intense and wavering coupled with an auditory
sensitivity that ensures a 3Dimensional music experience, or for the trippers
amongst us, who like to gain insight into themselves, their partners or
the world they live in. Or of course, for those that just like a new buzz!
EFFECTS
As analgesic effects are not present with 2C-B, there is increased body
awareness of every kind, including skin sensitivity, heightened responsiveness
to smells, tastes, and sexual stimulation. A committed team of BP'ers
endeavored to find out just what 2C-B really felt like (just so we could
tell you!) and after reading up as much information as we could (see refs
below), a few of us went on to try it out several times, under different
conditions each time (this will be covered in more depth in BP's new series
'Drugs, How Do You Take Yours).
Dosage is crucial (see dose) and each experience has been totally different
depending on, like so many psychedelics, mood, environment and what drugs
you've taken with it.
Visuals were mild
but colours were intense (reds, greens and yellows) and everything had
that clean,crisp appearance often noticed when tripping, almost like a
perfect spring morning - whatever the weather! A larger dose kept surroundings
constantly wavering, patterned, even breathing, almost kaleidoscopic.
Animals subtly changed in appearance from cats seeming 'doglike' to appearing
as they might of looked in primitive times. Instinctively we knew that
the book of life was being passed around and we understood everything
and nothing. Music was an important part of all our 2c-b experiences and
a slightly larger dose was to roll music out at our feet in a way we'd
never experienced before. It became a language of purity and breadth and
seemed to display itself as a central thread in the weaving of telepathic
communication, an orchestra that linked us all together.
Experiences are of increased consciousness, physical health, introspection,
and as we found, a 'heavy body load' if you've been out dancing all night
long and your body is tired. We found we tended to stay in the same place
for most of the time although there didn't seem to be any problem moving
around when a smallish dose was taken when out dancing.
The primary effects
of 2C-B last approximately 4-6 hours when taken orally. For many people
there is a period of 2-4 hrs afterwards where it can be difficult to go
sleep but mood and mind-set will be mainly back to normal. The day-after
effects of 2C-B are relatively mild although we noticed quite a heavy
tiredness for a couple of days afterwards. As experienced trippers will
know, a trip can be a mentally and physically challenging experience and
can leave you feeling quite exhausted afterwards. The 2C-B experience
is one of the shortest of any major psychedelic drug. Wherever you might
be, hang on. In an hour or so you will be approaching familiar territory
again.
Dose
2C-B
is normally taken orally, snorted or even smoked (we'd be interested to hear from anyone who has done it this way) but anecdotal evidence from
2C-B users suggest that snorting it is like having 'red-hot needles jammed
up your nose' and folks are advised AGAINST taking it this way-
remember, unlike many, if not most, psychedelic drugs it has no anesthetic
or pain relieving properties. (NB, we were later to experiment with this after a mate said it wasn't that bad - and it while it was very painful for about 10 minutes, we reckon it was just about bearable...As is usual with snorting it comes out a bit stronger and quicker than swallowing.)
2c-b is extremely dose sensitive, the standard dose being between 15-40mg
depending on body mass and sensitivity and takes about 45 - 75mins to
come on being considerably slower on a full stomach. Pills have commonly
contained 5 mg, capsules around 15-25mg though of course this tends to
vary. There is a steep dose response curve. Over the 12 to 24 milligram
range, every 2 milligrams can make a profound increase or change of response.
Initially, one should go lightly, and increase the dosage in subsequent
trials by small increments; otherwise you may embark on something you're
not quite ready for. We found the difference between taking one capsule,
to taking 1 ½ or taking 2, were huge. One capsule was a rather
mild experience while 2 propelled us into kaleidoscopic city! Snorted
doses are about 1/3 that of an oral dose and are legendary in
their painfulness - or rather, it hurts like fuck for 10 minutes.
2 C-B's
place in the drug Scene (price & law)
As a relative to ecstasy, 2C-B is primarily a club scene drug and as such,
clubbers use it to complement the ecstasy buzz although it can be taken
on its own. Also called Nexus, Bee, or C'Bs, as far as BP can ascertain
it is relatively hard to come by in the UK, although it is gathering converts
on the gay & dance scene as an accompaniment to ecstasy. Production
sources of 2-CB have been reported as far away as India and Thailand,
with routes passing through Turkey and the Balkans on its way to Europe
despite being illegal in many countries and Schedule I in the U.K., making
it illegal to sell, buy, or possess without a license. Schedule 1 covers
the most restricted drugs(eg, LSD and cannabis), can only be supplied
or possessed for research or other special purposes by people licensed
by the Home Office; these drugs are not available for normal medical uses
and cannot be prescribed by doctors who do not have a licence.)
Mixing
it
In depth research and careful experimenting led us to try 2c-b with a
few different drugs, just to do the experimenting for you in a safe environment!
Alcohol taken before 2c-b while slowing down the effect, does give a very
mellow and relaxed feeling and we stayed awake all night listening to
golden oldies and telling funny stories, literally laughing until the
tears came! There have been many reports of 2c-b and alcohol being quite
a mellow
combo but as with any drug and alcohol - it is essential to get as much
info as you can beforehand, never drink too much and take it as easily
and slowly. But it may not be for everyone. Taking alcohol with most drugs
is usually a bad idea. As mentioned, 2c-b is often taken with ecstasy
and experiments from Shulgin and several other enthusiastic advocates
in the psychotherapy world have ascertained that the correct time to take
2c-b is not with E, nor just after an E, but towards the end of an E,
at or just before, the final baseline recovery of the MDMA as if 'the
mental and emotional discoveries can be mobilized, and something done
about them'.
Most of us were on opiate scripts of one kind or another, neither seemed
to interfere noticeably. We'd suggest taking your opiate dose (if needed) plenty
of time before your 2c-b but ensuring you won't leave yourself sick whilst
tripping.
Mixing drugs is only for the experienced drug user - NOT for the novice. It is not to be taken lightly. BP always recommends people not to mix their drugs but we know this is not anything like the reality of drug taking. Thus we try to give what information we can, carefully. Either way, with trips, you don't need to take another drug with them and 2C-B is very much like a trip. Other drugs can interfere with the sensations and clarity of feelings.
The Negatives…
Flatulence, stomach cramps and diarrhoea have been reported and allergic-type
reactions can cause increased mucous production leading to heavy coughing.
Extreme care should be taken not to exceed the stated dose. This is not
a drug you can just swallow a handful of.
www.erowid.org, a particularly well informed drug users web site state
"Possible negative effects include anxiety and unwanted or frightening
feelings, thoughts and visions thoughts and visions. 2C-B, though significantly
lesser common than with LSD, can precipitate strong, temporary changes
in an individual's experience of life and reality. It can be a powerful
psychoactive experience, especially at higher doses, which is significantly
affected by experiences, set and setting. Recent experiences, especially
strong ones, can have a substantial effect on a trip. Physically or psychologically
unsettling events in the days before a trip can blossom into more serious
distress and trauma while tripping. It is important to be prepared for
the possibility of encountering difficult or frightening mental states.
Go to www.erowid.org for their Psychedelic Crisis FAQ which addresses
some of the issues involved in dealing with a difficult trip. Be sensible,
get some knowledge and take it easy. You'll have a much better time.
Contraindications
o Do not take 2C-B if you are currently taking an MAOI. MAOIs are most
commonly found in the prescription anti-depressants (generic names such
as: phenelzine tranylcypromine isocarboxazid l-deprenyl moclobemide Ayahuasca
also contains MAOIs (harmine and harmaline) 2C-B and MAOIs are a potentially
dangerous combination. Check with your doctor if you are not sure whether
your prescription medication is an MAOI
o Do not operate heavy machinery. Do Not Drive.
o If you have a seizure or convulsive disorder or heart problems, you
may be at higher risk for health problems when taking 2C-B. Diabetics
should monitor their blood sugar closely as there have been some reports
of problems.
o Individuals currently in the midst of emotional or psychological upheaval
in their everyday lives should be careful about choosing to use psychedelics
such as 2C-B as they can trigger even more difficulty.
o Individuals with a family history of schizophrenia or early onset mental
illness should be extremely careful because psychedelics have been known
to trigger latent psychological and mental problems.
More
Info:
Essential reading would have to be Alexander & Ann Shulgin's classic
book, PiHKAL (or 'Phenethylamines I Have Known And Loved') which documents
over 250 phenethylamines, including 2C-B, MDMA, mescaline, 2C-T-7, 2C-T-2,
and many others. BP's also recommends an excellent website www.erowid.org
(see our web review this issue) as an source of information on all aspects
of 2-CB and other psychedics .