What to expect

Shulgin claimed that 2C-B was one of his favorite psychedelics, and wrote in 2003 that the drug was “one of the most graceful, erotic, sensual, introspective compounds I have ever invented.” Many people report that the experience has the groundedness of mescaline, the empathy of MDMA, and the visuals of mushrooms or LSD, but with more connection to reality. It’s known for enhancing one’s senses and feelings and amplifying visuals, sound, and touch.

Dosage

2C-B is usually swallowed in the form of a tablet, capsule, or powder, which can also be dissolved in liquid. The threshold oral dose is 2-5 mg, while a light effective dose is around 5-15 mg. Most people take between 15 and 25 mg for a full experience, and anything above that is considered strong. 50 mg seems to be a good upper limit.

Onset

The onset of 2C-B lasts about 45-75 minutes, with a 15-30 minute “coming up” period. During this time, it’s common to feel a sense of anticipation or even anxiety. This is often coupled with a pleasurable warmth or tingling—like electricity or pins and needles—going up and down the body. There may be signs of physical and sexual arousal, including raised hairs, muscle spasms, erection, chills, tremors, and dilated pupils. Some people report experiencing gastrointestinal issues such as gas, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

At high enough doses, 2C-B produces visual effects, which often include geometric patterns, after-images and tracers, facial distortions, environmental drifting (e.g. melting or flowing surfaces), and enhanced or shifting colors. Closed-eye visuals are often richer, with profound fantasy imagery. Auditory hallucinations are also common. At higher doses, these hallucinations can become unpleasant, ugly, or even frightening.

Peak effects

The peak effects of the 2C-B experience last for two to four hours. Any nausea and discomfort have generally faded by this point. Touch, smell, taste, color, and sound all tend to be enhanced during this time, and many people report feeling squarely “in the body”—aware of their muscles and nerves and merging with physical nature. Unlike on MDMA, sexual arousal can be maintained throughout the 2C-B experience.

During the peak, people report enhanced moods and feelings of stimulation, but with less “pushiness” than MDMA. People often describe 2C-B as far more malleable, allowing them to go in and out of baseline consciousness, sometimes abruptly, even during peak effects. Others find themselves dealing with difficult emotions such as anger, grief, and fear.

Plateau

Communication can break down during the height of a 2C-B experience, although talking to others can become easier for some people. In any case, people usually see an increase in their empathy and sociability. Conceptual thinking, introspective insights, and spiritual ideation are also common—especially when alone. There may be a slight softening of the ego.

Coming down and after the trip

After the plateau, the effects of 2C-B can take up to two hours to wear off. Some find their appetites returning and can eat immediately. Sleep may also be possible, and it’s often characterized by vivid dreams. An afterglow of cheerfulness can persist for days—even after an unpleasant trip.

EFFECTS OF 2C-B POWDER

Pharmacology

Phenethylamines like 2C-B are known as “simple” psychedelics for their one-ring structure—contrasted with the more complex structure of indoles (e.g. tryptamines). Some other phenethylamines include amphetamines, mescaline, mephedrone, ephedrine, and cathine and cathinone from khat. 2C-B gets its name from the two carbon atoms (2C) that join the phenyl ring to the amino group, and for the bromine atom (B) substituted at the R4 position. Like the other 2Cs, 2C-B has methoxy groups at positions R2 and R5.

Receptor binding

Not much is known about the pharmacodynamics of 2C-B, but it shows a binding affinity for the 5-HT2 serotonergic receptors. Unlike the classical psychedelics, it selectively antagonizes (blocks) the 5-HT2A receptor subtype usually involved in hallucinogenic effects. Its psych activity is thought to be at least partially related to the activation of 5-HT2C receptors or to signaling pathways coupled to 5-HT2A. Further activation of α1-adrenergic receptors may be responsible for 2C-B’s stimulant effects.