Fact Sheets

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PINK COCAINE

Randall Webber, MPH, CADC

"Pink cocaine" is a mixture of different drugs, none of which is actually cocaine. On the street, pink cocaine is called Tusi or Tucibi. It contains varying drugs, of which MDMA ("ecstasy"), ketamine, methamphetamine and fentanyl are four. The name Tusi means that the concoction includes a drug in the 2C family, yet in reality it seldom does. 

The 2C drugs belong to a family known as phenethylamines. These substances include:

• 2C-B or Nexus, a synthetic psychedelic drug was first synthesized in 1974. It can cause mild tremors, nausea, gas, and diarrhea. At higher doses, it can cause hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure and elevated body temperature. 
• 2C-I (2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodophenethylamine) is a psychedelic drug commonly sold as a powder or liquid. It is sometimes confused with 25I-NBOMe, also known as "Smiles" and "N-bomb". 
• 2C-E can cause adverse effects such as rapid pulse, high blood pressure, agitation, delirium, and hallucinations. At least two deaths have been attributed to 2C-E overdose. 
• 2C-P may cause hallucinogenic and entheogenic (spiritual enhancement) effects. It takes effect slowly with peak effects occurring at 3 to 5 hours.

Pink cocaine is particularly dangerous because of its varying ingredients. A person who buys pink cocaine may not get what they think they are. Previous experience with pink cocaine is no assurance that the effects will be the same as before. 

Pink cocaine is often taken as a pill or snorted as a powder but is seldom injected. It causes a combination of stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. Users often report altered sensory perceptions, mood swings, and in some cases, hallucinations. Long-term use can lead to serious health risks, including heart attacks, high blood pressure, stroke, addiction, anxiety, depression, and psychosis.