Last Updated: August 15, 2023

By: Rachel Clark, DanceSafe Contractor

A baggie of bright pink powder was sourced and sold in Sacramento, CA as 2C-B but actually contains caffeine, ketamine, and MDMA. 

The sample turned purple in the presence of the Marquis reagent, blue-green in the presence of the Mecke reagent, and green to purple in the presence of the Mandelin reagent. 

Caffeine is a widely popular stimulant found in beverages such as coffee and tea. It typically produces elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and cognition speed for approximately 4 to 6 hours, and functions by reducing the effectiveness of the neurotransmitter adenosine, a chemical responsible for signaling sleepiness. 

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic commonly used in human and veterinary medicine. At lower recreational doses, it induces feelings of lightness and sensations comparable to drunkenness; at higher doses, it can cause profound psychedelic experiences and temporary loss of motor control. Ketamine is typically snorted, rather than consumed orally, and lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes. 

MDMA is a serotonin release and reuptake inhibition agent that floods the brain and body with feelings of bliss and affect. It is commonly found in party and nightlife environments, particularly raves, with a duration of 3-5 hours. Due to its serotonin releasing properties, MDMA should not be consumed in hot environments, with excessive frequency, or in conjunction with other serotonin-releasing drugs. Its effects include mild stimulant properties from a subjective standpoint; however, it notably increases body temperature, an effect that may pose danger if combined with other stimulants. 

The conjunction of MDMA and caffeine may lead to uncomfortably high levels of stimulation, and the high from ketamine may interfere with a person’s ability to navigate their environment. This choice of misrepresentation was likely selected to attempt to imitate 2C-B’s unique effects profile that is often hailed as combining entactogenic (touch-oriented) and psychedelic qualities; as a more stimulating psychedelic, 2C-B is known for inducing “rushing” sensations. 

If ingesting a comparable mixture of substances, harm reduction measures such as informing others of the quantity, time, and place of dosing should be employed to minimize affiliated risks. Individuals with sensitivities to stimulants may experience substantial heart rate and blood pressure increases from this combination. 

We urge our community to keep in mind that drug markets are expansive and that this adulterated bag of 2C-B may appear in places other than its source and submission location. Using a reagent test kit can help provide a first line of defense as a presumptive (and not affirmative) process. Additionally, samples may be sent in to www.ecstasydata.org for in-depth laboratory testing. Test before you ingest to avoid taking misrepresented substances, and so you can adjust your intention, set, and setting appropriately to minimize risks. You can purchase your DanceSafe test kit here.

The purpose of #TestIt Alerts is to alert the public to misrepresented substances circulating in their region. We neither condemn nor condone drug use, but rather want people to be aware of what they are ingesting so they can take steps to minimize risks.

Since 1998, DanceSafe has been keeping the electronic music and nightlife communities safe. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide free harm reduction services at music festivals and nightlife events across the nation. All proceeds from the sales of our drug checking kits go back into the organization so we can continue to provide our services to our communities for free. By purchasing a kit, you are not only helping keep you and your friends safe, you are also contributing to the harm reduction movement. Thank you for your support!