2C-B: Difference between revisions

In the 1970s, it first saw use as a therapeutic aid by a small circle of American psychotherapists; it was considered one of the best substances for this purpose due to its short duration, relative absence of side effects, and comparably mild nature.<ref>{{cite web|title=2C-B: Effects|url=http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/2cb/2cb_effects.shtml|publisher=Erowid|access-date=February 10, 2020|orig-year=Modified 2015|date=February 12, 1998}}</ref>  

It entered into recreational use shortly afterward and was briefly manufactured and sold commercially under such names as "Eros" and "Nexus" in "head" / "smart" shops and adult video stores before becoming federally prohibited in 1995.<ref name="DEA2001">{{cite web|title=2C-B (Nexus) Reappears on the Club Drug Scene|url=http://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs0/665/665p.pdf|work=Information Bulletin|date=May 2001|publisher=Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)|id=2001-L0424-002}}</ref>

[[Subjective effects]] include [[geometry|open and closed-eye visuals]], [[time distortion]], [[euphoria]], and [[ego loss]]. User reports have described the effects of 2C-B as moderate, warm, colorful, and highly sensual. Similar to [[mescaline]], it is described as possessing a less serious or grandiose headspace than [[tryptamines]] like [[LSD]] or [[psilocybin mushrooms]], and exhibiting a greater emphasis on visual and tactile effects. Smaller doses (under 15 mg) can be used as a sensory and aesthetic enhancer (in a manner somewhat similar to [[MDMA]]) while larger doses are reported to produce a distinct mind-manifesting psychedelic effect.  

2C-B is considered to be physiologically well-tolerated and likely has a safety profile similar to classical psychedelics, which are known to have low abuse potential and toxicity. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential toxicity and harm potential of this substance. It is highly advised to use [[harm reduction practices]] if using this substance.

2C-B was first synthesized and tested for psychoactivity in 1974 by the American chemist and psychedelic researcher [[Alexander Shulgin]] as part of a search of novel psychedelic compounds based on the chemical structure of mescaline. His findings were later published in the 1991 book [[PiHKAL]], in which it was listed among the "magical half-dozen" of [[psychedelic]] [[phenethylamines]] that he deemed most important.<ref name="PiHKAL" /> The list consists of [[mescaline]], [[DOM]], 2C-B, [[2C-E]], [[2C-T-2]], and [[2C-T-7]].<ref>{{cite book|title=PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story|author-link1=Alexander Shulgin|author1=Alexander Shulgin|author2=Ann Shulgin|year=1991|publisher=Transform Press|location=United States|isbn=0963009605|oclc=1166889264|url=https://erowid.org/library/books_online/pihkal/pihkal.shtml}}</ref> In interviews, Shulgin repeatedly declared it his favorite psychedelic trip.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/self-experimenter-chemist-explores-new-psychedelics/|title=Self-Experimenters: Psychedelic Chemist Explores the Surreality of Inner Space, One Drug at a Time|author=David Biello|date=March 20, 2008|issn=0036-8733|eissn=1946-7087|magazine=Scientific American|publisher=Nature Publishing Group|access-date=October 10, 2020}}</ref>  

In the 1970s, 2C-B was used in patients by a small number of psychotherapists in the United States. These therapists reported that it created a warm, empathetic bond between them and their patients, helping to break down their ego defenses and inner resistances and allowing the patient to get in touch with suppressed emotions and repressed memories.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/science/applied-and-social-sciences-magazines/2c-b-nexus|title=2C-B (Nexus)|website=Encyclopedia.com|access-date=October 10, 2020}}</ref> The gentle nature of 2C-B, in addition to its mild side effects and short duration, were found to be desirable traits for a therapeutic setting.

Shortly after gaining traction in the underground psychotherapy community, 2C-B became popular in the recreational drug scene. 2C-B was well-liked as a [[MDMA]] substitute in raves and parties due to its minimal comedown and a clear, euphoric headspace. In the 1980s and early 1990s, several foreign companies legitimately manufactured 2C-B under the brand names "Nexus", "Erox", and "Performax" and advertised that it would alleviate impotence, frigidity, and diminished libido. It was sold at adult book and video stores, "head" shops, and some nightclubs. The DEA reported its distribution in Miami, Florida as yellow pills marketed as an aphrodisiac.{{citation needed}}

In the United States, 2C-B gained popularity as an alternative to MDMA following its classification as a Schedule I substance in 1985. Its increasing popularity led it to be placed in Schedule I in 1995.<ref name="DEA2001" /> It saw a resurgence in interest in the 2000s, with the advent of the [[research chemicals|"research chemicals"]]/"designer drugs" scene and darknet markets.