Pink Cocaine: What is it?

Pink cocaine, often referred to as tusi, is a popular synthetic party drug composed of a powdered mixture of substances dyed pink. Despite its name, pink cocaine does not necessarily contain cocaine. Also known as Tusi Drug, Pink Coke, and Pink Panther Drug many manufacturers label it as a legal and safe drug. However, this pink powder drug has various side effects, and overdosing on it can harm both physical and mental health.

In this article, Avenues Recovery, leading alcohol and drug rehab specialists, explores what pink cocaine is, what's in pink cocaine, its side effects, and how dangerous it is.

All About Pink Cocaine

Pink cocaine is a recreational party drug that has been on the market for over a decade. It is typically a pink-colored powder, often a drug cocktail including substances like ketamine, MDMA, and methamphetamine, but it does not necessarily include cocaine. The composition of the pink drug is unpredictable, making it a risky substance with significant health hazards due to the unknown chemicals it may contain. Peruvian Pink Cocaine is common in South and Central America and is available as a powder or a pill. Intranasal and oral methods are most commonly used to ingest this drug.

The History of Pink Cocaine and 2C-B

In the 1970s, Alexander Shulgin - a famous organic chemist from Harvard renowned for his work with drugs such as Ecstasy - developed a new drug called 2C-B. Initially, people used 2C-B to treat erectile dysfunction and enhance libido. The manufacturer named the original product Erox or Performax. In 1995, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency assessed the drug and classified it as a Schedule 1 Controlled substance - meaning there is no medical use for this drug, and it is harmful to consume. 

After 2C-B was criminalized, its production shifted to the black market, particularly in Latin America and Colombia. Dealers began producing 2C-B illegally for the party and nightlife scene, targeting wealthy, high-end consumers. To create a distinctive and marketable product, they dyed the powder pink, leading to the nickname "pink cocaine." As its popularity grew, 2C-B and pink cocaine became associated with luxury drug use, despite having no connection to actual cocaine.

As 2C-B became harder to obtain due to increased regulation, dealers began substituting it with other substances, such as ketamine, MDMA, and methamphetamine. These new mixtures were still dyed pink using food coloring or colored baking powder, to maintain the branding of "pink cocaine." Over time, the term "tusi", a phonetic shortening of "2C-B" (also spelled "toosi", “toosie” or "tuci") became the popular name for this pink powder, regardless of its actual contents. The drug’s composition became more unpredictable, and it evolved into a street drug associated with party culture, often containing a mix of various stimulants, bath salts, and hallucinogens.

Difference between Cocaine and Pink Cocaine

Although there are a few similarities between Cocaine and Pink Cocaine, this pink powder drug is actually very different. Their major similarities are chemical dependence and the risk of addiction; their origin and properties are very dissimilar. Cocaine is a natural extract of the coca plant, while Pink Cocaine is a synthetic drug. Cocaine has an anesthetic as well as a stimulant effect on the body, can be used for medical purposes, and has been included by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency on the Schedule II list of drugs.

Meanwhile, Peruvian Pink Cocaine has psychoactive properties and influences the serotonin system of the body. It has no safe, accepted medical use, which is why the DEA includes this drug on the Schedule I list of Controlled substances.

Is Pink Cocaine Addictive?

Pink Coke is a highly addictive drug with a negative extended effect on the body. Extreme caution should be exercised when using this drug so as to avoid addiction and potential overdose, and situations where there is social pressure to use should be avoided as well. If you or a loved one suffers from such an addiction, proper medical and psychological intervention should be sought as soon as possible.

Is Pink Cocaine Dangerous?

Pink Cocaine is a dangerous substance with mild to severe side effects; overdosing poses a significant danger to one's health. Additionally, as synthetic drugs often contain undisclosed additives and questionable substances, no one can really know what is in pink cocaine and the potential risks and side effects can never be conclusively determined. It follows that pink cocaine may pose an even greater threat to physical and mental health than other substances.

Many mix this drug with hallucinogens to enhance its therapeutic effects, which increases the risk of overdose and has significant long-term health consequences. Pink powders found in Latin America and the Caribbean specifically may have unusually negative effects on the body, such as erratic behavior and kidney damage.

In October 2024, One Direction singer Liam Payne fell to his death from a hotel balcony in Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires. An initial toxicology report revealed that the death of Liam Payne was from pink cocaine, highlighting the dangerous and potentially deadly effects of straight pink cocaine. 

Side Effects of Pink Cocaine

As mentioned before, Pink Cocaine is a synthetic drug and may therefore contain many impure elements, which can cause varied bodily reactions.

Below are some potential side effects of pink cocaine and tusi:

• Euphoria
• Narrowed ("pinpoint") pupils
• Delayed reaction time
• Loss of consciousness
• Itching on face and arms
• Constipation
• Pain relief
• Slowed breathing and heart rate
• Drowsiness
• Pale or flushed skin tone

Because the pink powder drug influences the body’s involuntary functions, one who overdoses will struggle to breathe and think clearly. If emergency medical care is not received in the proper timeframe, oxygen levels may plummet and cause death.

Symptoms of Pink Coke Overdose

Pink cocaine adversely affects both physical and mental health, due to its unknown chemical composition. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, seeking professional help is crucial for recovery. At Avenues Recovery, we offer personalized treatment programs designed to address the unique needs of each individual. With a compassionate team of experts, we prioritize your well-being and guide you through every step of the recovery process. Reach out today to take the first step toward a healthier, drug-free life.