Pink Cocaine (Tusi): The Dangerous Truth Behind This Party Drug [2025 Guide]
Over the past few years, pink cocaine—also known as Tusi or tucibi—has gained growing visibility in party scenes across South America and Europe. Its vibrant pink color and playful nickname might suggest a glamorous twist on traditional cocaine. But the truth is far more complicated—and potentially dangerous.
Despite its name, pink cocaine rarely contains any real cocaine. Instead, it’s typically a synthetic blend that may include ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, caffeine, or even unknown substances. Every batch is different, and that makes every experience unpredictable.
Some people knowingly use pink cocaine, thinking it's safe or fun. Others might not even realize what they’re taking. That’s why it’s so important to understand what’s actually inside this drug—not from a place of fear or judgment, but from a place of information, awareness, and choice.
If you're wondering whether it's possible to detect or measure how much cocaine is from the comfort of home—yes, it is. With our QTest for Cocaine, you can quantify the cocaine content in a sample. This provides valuable insights into the substance's potency and helps reduce unexpected effects.
In this guide, we’ll break down what pink cocaine really is, what it’s made of, why it’s often misunderstood, and how our cocaine test kits can help you stay informed and make safer decisions.
Author: Dr. Marina Garcia Moreno
Reviewed by: Dr. Felix Blei — Reviewed on June 17, 2025
Published on: April 14, 2025 — Reading time: ~6 min read
Table of Contents about Pink Cocaine
- What Is Pink Cocaine?
- Key Facts About Pink Cocaine (Tusi)
- Is Tusi the Same as 2C-B?
- Tusi vs. 2C-B — What’s the Difference?
- What’s Pink Cocaine Really Made Of?
- Lab Results: Substances Found in Pink Cocaine Samples
- Why It’s Crucial to Understand What’s in Pink Cocaine (Tusi)
- How Pink Cocaine Affects the Brain
- Test Pink Cocaine AT HOME
- 3 Key Points to Keep in Mind Before Using Tusi (Pink Cocaine)
- ALIVE On‑Site Drug Checking: Real Field Results
- Conclusion
- Who Are We?
- Explore more
- FAQ
- References
- About the Author
- About the Reviewer
What Is Pink Cocaine?
Despite the name, pink cocaine is not actually cocaine—and it’s certainly not a new version of it. Also known as Tusi or tucibi, this colorful party drug is a synthetic blend that mimics the stimulating effects of more traditional substances. It’s often sold in powder form, with a bright pink or fuchsia color meant to evoke luxury or fun. But its makeup is anything but predictable.
The nickname “Tusi” originated from the pronunciation of 2C-B, a psychedelic substance that was once associated with pink powder in club scenes. Over time, however, the formula changed. Today, pink cocaine has little to no connection to 2C-B or cocaine, and its actual ingredients vary dramatically from batch to batch.
Most users aren’t getting what they think they’re getting. Instead of cocaine or 2C-B, pink cocaine may contain a mix of:
- Ketamine (a dissociative anesthetic),
- MDMA (ecstasy),
- Methamphetamine or other stimulants,
- Caffeine and other cutting agents.
Because of this inconsistency, users often have no real idea what they’re ingesting, which significantly increases the health risks.
👉 Understanding this drug starts with recognizing the misleading name. There is no standard recipe, and no two samples are guaranteed to be the same.
Key Facts About Pink Cocaine (Tusi)
Key Facts About Pink Cocaine (Tusi)
Pink cocaine can mean very different things depending on how it's made and where it's sold. But a few core facts remain consistent—and they’re crucial to understanding what Tusi really is.
Here are four key facts to help you stay informed and safer:
1. Pink cocaine is rarely actual cocaine
Despite the name, most samples of pink cocaine don’t contain cocaine at all. Lab results show that it’s usually a mixture of ketamine, caffeine, MDMA, or other synthetic substances, not cocaine.
2. The pink color doesn't mean it's safe
Its bright, glittery look is often misleading. Coloring agents are added to make it more appealing at parties or festivals, but the color says nothing about purity, strength, or safety.
3. Every dose is different and unpredictable
There is no fixed recipe. One dose might include ketamine and MDMA, while another could contain methamphetamine, opioids, or new psychoactive substances (NPS). That’s what makes pink cocaine so risky—it’s impossible to know what's inside without testing.
4. There’s only one way to know what’s really inside
Because the composition of pink cocaine changes from one batch to another, guesswork isn’t enough. Some samples may contain no cocaine at all—others might include high doses of unexpected substances.
👉 That’s why using reliable testing tools, like substance analysis kits, is the only way to understand exactly what you’re taking.
Is Tusi the Same as 2C-B?
No—it’s a common misconception. While the name “Tusi” originally referred to the synthetic psychedelic 2C-B, today’s pink cocaine is a completely different substance.
Back in the early 2010s, 2C-B was sometimes sold in pink powder form, leading to the nickname tusi (a phonetic play on "2C-B"). But as time went on and supply chains shifted, dealers began using the name to sell different mixtures—often without any 2C-B at all.
Today, when people refer to pink cocaine or Tusi, they’re usually talking about a synthetic mix of drugs such as:
- Ketamine
- MDMA
- Methamphetamine
- Caffeine
And sometimes opioids or other unknown substances
Meanwhile, 2C-B is a defined, synthetic psychedelic that comes in pill or powder form and produces intense visual and emotional effects. It has a specific molecular structure and consistent behavior—unlike pink cocaine, which varies wildly.
Tusi vs. 2C-B — What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse pink cocaine (Tusi) with 2C-B, especially because of the nickname’s origin. But chemically and pharmacologically, they’re completely different substances. Here’s a quick comparison to clarify the key differences:
| Feature | Pink Cocaine (Tusi) | 2C-B |
|---|---|---|
| Common Form | Pink powder | Pill or capsule |
| Main Ingredients | Varies: ketamine, MDMA, caffeine, etc. | 2C-B only |
| Drug Type | Mixed (stimulant & sedative effects) | Psychedelic |
| Visual Effects | Unpredictable or sometimes absent | Common and intense |
| Consistency | Highly variable | Chemically consistent |
| Risk of Misidentification | Very high | Moderate (if sold clearly) |
What’s Pink Cocaine Really Made Of?
While it’s often marketed as a luxury version of cocaine, pink cocaine rarely contains cocaine at all. In fact, what users are taking is a synthetic mixture whose ingredients can vary widely—sometimes even from one pill or line to the next.
The term “Tusi” originally referred to 2C-B, a psychedelic drug popular in South America. But over the past decade, the name has been co-opted by drug dealers to refer to anything pink, regardless of what's inside. That means modern pink cocaine has almost no connection to cocaine or 2C-B.
According to independent testing by Energy Control (Spain) and DrugsData.org, the ingredients found in Tusi are often combinations of stimulants, sedatives, and unknown chemicals. The most common substances detected include:
- Ketamine – 94.7% of samples
- Ketamine precursor – 84.2%
- MDMA – 63.2%
- Caffeine – 52.6%
- Methamphetamine – 15.8%
- Cocaine – 10.5%
- Opioids (e.g., oxycodone, tramadol) – 10.5%
- Other substances (bk-EBDB, DMT, Lidocaine) – 5–10.5%
In 99% of the tested samples, no 2C-B was found. Ketamine was the most consistent ingredient across all samples.
Lab Results: Substances Found in Pink Cocaine Samples
So, what’s really in the pink powder being sold at parties, festivals, and clubs? The answer is in the lab results.
Here is a visual representation of the most common ingredients found in pink cocaine samples submitted for drug testing between 2019 and 2024. The data was compiled by DrugsData.org and Energy Control, two of the most trusted independent labs in the field of substance analysis.
🧪 Use this chart to understand how unpredictable pink cocaine really is.
Figure based on lab analysis data from DrugsData.org and Energy Control.
Why It’s Crucial to Understand What’s in Pink Cocaine (Tusi)
The rise in popularity of pink cocaine, or Tusi, has brought serious concerns around public health, harm reduction, and misinformation. What many users don’t realize is that what’s sold as pink cocaine is almost never pure—and often has no real cocaine at all.
Here’s why understanding its contents matters:
- You may ingest multiple drugs without knowing.
Tusi is rarely a single compound. It's usually a mixture of ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, or other substances. - The dose you take might be stronger than expected.
Without testing, you can accidentally take more stimulant or sedative than your body can safely handle. - You might misinterpret the effects.
Expecting a psychedelic high and getting sedated—or vice versa—can lead to panic, bad trips, or overuse. - Adverse reactions are more likely.
Especially when pink cocaine is used with alcohol, opioids, or other stimulants, the risk multiplies.
⚠️ Bottom line: If you don’t know what’s in your Tusi sample, you’re taking a risk without realizing it. Test before consuming.
How Pink Cocaine Affects the Brain
The effects of pink cocaine on the brain vary wildly, because its chemical makeup is inconsistent. Every batch can affect your brain differently—depending on whether it includes ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, or other stimulants and depressants.
🧠 Common of Pink Cocaine ingredients and their impact:
- Ketamine: Disrupts communication between neurons; causes disconnection and memory loss.
- MDMA: Triggers massive serotonin release; induces euphoria but can deplete brain chemicals.
- Methamphetamine: Overstimulates dopamine pathways; linked to aggression and addiction.
- Caffeine: Raises alertness but increases anxiety and heart rate when mixed with stimulants.
⚠️ Why the brain risks are high when comsuming Pink Cocaine:
- No standard dosage: You don’t know how much of any ingredient is present.
- Interaction effects: Mixing unknown substances causes unpredictable neurochemical reactions.
- Mental health impact: Risk of panic, psychosis, anxiety, and cognitive confusion.
Testing what you’re taking is the only reliable way to reduce the risk to your brain.
Can You Test Pink Cocaine at Home?
At the moment, the most accessible way to test what Tusi might contain is by using qualitative reagent tests. These tests can indicate the presence of certain substances (like MDMA, ketamine, or amphetamines), but they don’t reveal how much of a substance is present. That’s a key limitation. Also you can look for antibody test strips.
⚠️ Reagents or antibody tests do not tell you the concentration—only if the substance might be present. Results can also be hard to interpret with complex mixtures like Tusi.
If you're specifically interested in knowing how much cocaine is present in a sample, you can use the Cocaine QTest—a simple, at-home tool that estimates cocaine concentration in a matter of minutes.
And if your goal is to fully analyze what a Tusi sample contains (beyond just cocaine), the most reliable option is to send it to a professional drug-checking service or laboratory. That’s the safest way to get a complete and accurate breakdown.
⚠️3 Key Points to Keep in Mind Before Using Tusi (Pink Cocaine)
Before using any substance—especially one as unpredictable as Tusi—it’s important to keep a few essential points in mind. These aren’t about fear or judgment, but about staying informed and minimizing potential risks. Here are three key things to consider:
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Don’t assume it contains cocaine or 2C-B | Tusi is typically a blend of ketamine, MDMA, caffeine, etc.—rarely real cocaine or 2C‑B. |
| Avoid mixing with alcohol or depressants | Combining unknown sedatives with alcohol can cause respiratory depression or blackouts. |
| Always test before use | Reagent tests offer basic substance detection; consider antibody or quantitative kits for more detail. |
ALIVE On‑Site Drug Checking: Real Field Results
🔬 ALIVE On‑Site Drug Checking: Real Field Results
During a 2024 on-site drug-checking session by the ALIVE project, a substance sold as ketamine tested positive for an unexpected mix: MDMA, opioids, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
What ALIVE Found:
- Kits sold as pure ketamine actually contained multiple drugs.
- On-site reagent tests helped identify unexpected substances.
- Users were immediately informed to prevent harm.
These findings highlight:
- The unpredictable nature of street pink cocaine.
- Why harm‑reduction and drug‑checking at point-of-use are so critical.
Misdeclared Ketamine
Powder sold as ketamine tested positive for MDMA, opioids, cocaine
→ What looked like ketamine was actually a dangerous multi-substance mix. This confirms how unpredictable pink cocaine or Tusi street samples can be.
On-Site Testing Results
Real alert card showing reagent outcomes, disposal info & test site
→ Visual documentation from the ALIVE field test: multiple substances detected instantly with antibody and reagent kits, preventing potential harm.
Discoloration from Mixed Reagents
Substance revealed in under 3 minutes via color change
→ Discoloration in this test indicates presence of multiple active compounds, proving again how Tusi is rarely a single drug—a reason why proper testing matters.
Conclusion: Tusi, Testing & Informed Choices
Tusi, often marketed as pink cocaine, continues to circulate under a name that rarely reflects its true content. What might look like a single drug is usually a complex mix of substances—often including ketamine, MDMA, caffeine, and sometimes small amounts of cocaine.
This chemical inconsistency is exactly why understanding what’s in your sample matters. It’s not just about safety; it’s about clarity, confidence, and informed choice.
Whether you're a researcher, part of a harm reduction collective, or someone navigating nightlife scenes, here’s the takeaway:
- Don’t assume—analyze
- If you're curious about cocaine content, use tools like the QTest Cocaine Kit
- For full substance breakdowns, consider lab-based drug checking services
- And above all, stay informed and stay open
- The more we know about what’s circulating, the better decisions we can all make—individually and collectively.
Who Are We?
Who Are We?
At miraculix, we’re a science-based, community-driven startup with a clear mission: to make substance analysis safer, more accessible, and grounded in evidence. We develop and manufacture the QTests — that empower individuals, professionals, and harm reduction organizations to better understand the composition and potency of the substances they encounter.
Founded as a spin-off from the University of Jena, our work is rooted in rigorous scientific research and standardization. Our testing methods are officially validated by the state of Thuringia, Germany, and draw on the expertise of Dr. Felix Blei — a leading researcher in psilocybin biosynthesis whose contributions have helped define the scientific understanding of magic mushrooms today.
But miraculix is more than a testing company. We aim to close the gap between academic science and real-life practice. Through clear instructions, open access to knowledge, and ongoing community support, we’ve made the process of testing substances more approachable — especially for those who never thought they could do it themselves. Each day, more people are overcoming the stigma and fear around testing, taking small but meaningful steps toward safer and more informed decisions.
We believe that harm reduction should be practical, science-informed, and within everyone’s reach — not just locked away in laboratories. Our vision is to support a culture where substance use is met with responsibility, curiosity, and care.
Drug Checking with Scientific Precision
At miraculix, we’ve been actively engaged in drug checking and substance analysis for over five years.
Using our scientifically validated QTests, we support harm reduction projects, festivals, and research initiatives in Thuringia, Germany.
Our testing protocols are officially recognized by the State of Thuringia and aligned with strict scientific standards.
We work with universities, harm reduction collectives, and local health authorities to provide clear, accessible, and data-driven substance checking tools — helping communities stay informed and empowered.
QTest Photometer – Open Source Meets Precision
Together with our partners from IO RODEO. We’ve designed an open-source photometer that brings lab-level accuracy to your hands. It reads our QTest kits, making your results precise, consistent, and easy to document—perfect for science-minded users and harm reduction organizations.
Learn more about the QTest Photometer
→ Buy the Photometer Kit
Our Team, Our Values
We are scientists, creatives, and community organizers brought together by a shared mission:
To make substance analysis more accessible, transparent, and human.
At miraculix, we believe that harm reduction should be:
- Science-informed
- Open and collaborative
- Empowering rather than moralizing
We don’t just build testing tools — we’re building a culture where people can explore and understand what they’re taking with curiosity, responsibility, and care.
Our mission is to close the gap between science and everyday practice.
Our goal: informed decisions, safer experiences, and a shift toward honest, stigma-free conversations around substances.
Why Trust Our Tests?
All miraculix kits are scientifically validated, developed in academic institutions and refined with real-world feedback from users like you. But our work goes beyond lab precision.
We are a team of committed people who deeply believe in the need to bring hard-to-access knowledge into the hands of everyone. We’re here to connect science with community, to build trust, and to offer tools and guidance for safer, more conscious use.
Explore more
Explore More: Related Substances & Testing Insights
If you're curious about the real ingredients behind Tusi (pink cocaine) and how to analyze them safely, these guides offer deeper insights into the substances most often found in street samples—and how to test them reliably.
Ketamine: The Core of Most Tusi Samples
Ketamine is the most frequently detected substance in pink cocaine across Europe and Latin America. Learn how it works, what risks it poses in nightlife settings, and how it contributes to the unpredictable effects of Tusi.
2C-B: Why the Confusion Matters
Many people associate Pink Cocaine (Tusi) with 2C-B, but they’re not the same. Here’s what makes 2C-B unique—and why the confusion matters.
How Our QTests Work: Step-by-Step Guide
Discover how our QTests can help you estimate psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, THC/CBD or cocaine concentration and gain clarity before use.
FAQ: Pink Cocaine (Tusi)
Answers to Your Most Common Questions About Tusi, the So-Called "Pink Cocaine"
What exactly is pink cocaine? Why is it called that if there's no actual cocaine in it? Can you test it yourself at home?
As interest and concern around Tusi—also known as pink cocaine—continue to grow, it’s important to separate myth from reality. This FAQ section answers the most frequently asked questions about what pink cocaine really contains, how it’s used, where it’s found, and how to test its components safely. Whether you're a curious reader, a harm reduction professional, or navigating the nightlife scene, these answers are based on expert sources, lab data, and real user searches.
Pink cocaine, also known as Tusi or “tucibi,” is a synthetic mix—not actual cocaine. It often contains ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, caffeine, and sometimes opioids or designer drugs, all dyed pink to appear festive
Despite the name, Tusi rarely contains 2C‑B. Testing from sources like the UNODC and regional labs shows almost no presence of 2C‑B or real cocaine
The most common ingredients include:
- Ketamine (dissociative anesthetic)
- MDMA (empathogen)
- Methamphetamine (stimulant)
- Caffeine, with occasional opioids, cocaine, designer stimulants
Pink cocaine gets its color from food dye or coloring agents added to make it stand out at parties or festivals. The bright pink doesn’t indicate quality or safety—it’s purely visual. Chemically, the substance inside can vary dramatically, and the color has no correlation with potency or risk.
💡 Don’t judge a drug by its color. Always test to know what’s really inside.
Much more unpredictable! Since it's a variable chemical mix, effects range wildly. Risks include dehydration, heart issues, seizures, and psychosis—much higher than using known substances individually
Yes, partially—but it's important to understand what different tests can (and can’t) tell you.
Most at-home drug-checking methods fall into these two categories:
1. Qualitative reagent tests
These tests use liquid reagents that change color when they come into contact with certain drug families. They're useful to check for the presence of:
- MDMA
- Ketamine
- Amphetamines
- Cocaine (to some degree)
However, they do not tell you the concentration—only if the substance might be present. Results can also be hard to interpret with complex mixtures like Tusi.
2. Immunoassay (antibody-based) tests
These are used to detect specific substances. They’re highly targeted and helpful in identifying dangerous contaminants, but again, they don’t measure how much is present.
Not directly. Since Tusi is a mixture of multiple substances, the QTest can't analyze it as a whole. However, if you're trying to determine how much of a specific substance (like cocaine or MDMA) is present in a sample, the QTest is highly effective.
What QTest is designed for:
- Cocaine QTestQuantifies the exact amount of cocaine in a sample
- MDMA QTest Measures the potency of MDMA in tablets or powders
- LSD QTestDetects and quantifies LSD in liquids and blotters
We have QTest for more substances too.
If you want to understand what’s inside a pink powder, it’s essential to first identify the components using a reagent or antibody test. Once you've identified which substances are likely present, you can then use the relevant QTest to measure how much.
👉 We also strongly recommend combining QTests with fentanyl antibody test strips, especially for powders or pills that may contain hidden opioids.
🎯 Remember: Tusi is unpredictable. Testing specific actives is the best way to reduce harm.
Tusi has gained popularity in South America and parts of Europe, especially in nightlife settings like clubs, festivals, and private parties.
Tusi is most often found as a pink powder and is typically snorted (nasal use). However, routes of administration may vary depending on context and region.
Tusi is often associated with party culture because of its colorful appearance, sweet smell, and stimulant effects (when it contains MDMA or caffeine). However, the perceived glamour doesn't reflect the reality of its unpredictable composition, which can include sedatives like ketamine.
The biggest danger of pink cocaine is not knowing what's actually in it. While cocaine has well-documented effects and risks, Tusi is an unpredictable mix that can include stimulants, depressants, and psychedelics—leading to unexpected reactions, especially if combined with alcohol or other substances.
The best way to reduce risks is to:
- Test your sample before use (e.g., QTest or reagent tests)
- Send it to an analysis laboratory
- Start with a very small amount, especially with unknown mixes
- Avoid combining it with alcohol or other drugs
- Stay with people you trust and in a safe setting
- Also, consider testing for fentanyl, especially in regions where contamination is rising.
References
- Palamar, J. J. (2023). Tusi: a new ketamine concoction complicating the drug landscape. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 49(5), 546–550. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2023.2207716
- Usersnews.com.au, NUAA admin. Tusi: pink cocaine or marketing myth? https://usersnews.com.au/2023/03/14/tusi-pink-cocaine/
- Energy Control. Drug Checking & Tusi Reports (2019–2022). https://energycontrol-international.org
- Vice. (2023). Inside the pink cocaine trend in Colombia and beyond. Retrieved from https://www.vice.com/en/article/pink-cocaine-tusi-colombia-drug
- DrugsData.org. Results for Tusi & 2C-B samples (2019–2022). https://www.drugsdata.org/results.php?search=tusi
About the author
Dr. Marina Garcia Moreno – Scientific Author
Dr. Marina Garcia Moreno is the Chief Scientific Officer at miraculix Lab, where she leads scientific development focused on harm reduction, drug checking, and psychoactive substance analysis. She holds a PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) in Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology from Friedrich Schiller University Jena (Germany), and has over 8 years of experience in biomedical and translational research.
Before joining miraculix, Dr. Garcia Moreno worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University Clinic Jena. Her academic training includes a Master’s degree in Biomedicine and Molecular Biology from the University of the Basque Country.
As a multilingual science communicator, she is deeply committed to science-based education, public health, and bridging the gap between research and society. Through her writing and development of analytical tools, she aims to make scientific knowledge accessible, reliable, and actionable for a broad audience, from professionals to the general public.
You can learn more about her background on LinkedIn.
About the Reviewer
Dr. Felix Blei – Scientific Author
Dr. Felix Blei is the CEO and Founder of miraculix Lab, and a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. With a PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) in Microbiology and a strong background in natural product biosynthesis, he is internationally recognized for his pioneering work on psychoactive fungi—particularly the biosynthesis of psilocybin and related compounds (Blei, F., 2020).
During his doctoral research at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Microbiology under Prof. Dirk Hoffmeister, Dr. Blei was the first to elucidate the full biosynthetic pathway of psilocybin in Psilocybe mushrooms (Fricke, Blei et al., 2017) Angewandte Chemie. He further developed an in vitro system capable of producing psilocybin, serotonin, and novel non-natural analogues (Blei et al., 2018) Chemistry- A European Journal . His discovery of naturally occurring β-carbolines in Psilocybe—compounds that may synergistically enhance psilocybin's neurotropic effects—led to the concept of “psilohuasca,” a naturally occurring combination of MAO inhibitors and psychedelics in fungi (Blei, Dörner et al. 2020) Chemistry–A European Journal.
Building on his academic expertise, Dr. Blei developed the first reliable rapid tests for psilocybin, which laid the foundation for the spin-off company miraculix. Today, miraculix provides quantitative drug checking tools that are used throughout Germany and Europe. He also leads the German ALIVE project—an evidence-based drug checking Initiative funded by state governments, offering mobile substance analysis and harm reduction at music festivals and public events.
With over 500 citations, numerous publications in high-impact journals, and a passion for accessible science, Dr. Blei bridges cutting-edge research with real-world application. His work contributes to safer substance use, public health strategies, and a deeper understanding of natural psychoactive compounds.
You can learn more about him on LinkedIn or read his publications on Researchgate
