Introduction to Tusi: What Is Pink Cocaine?
Tusi (tussi, tuci, tucibi, tusibi) often referred to as "pink cocaine" or "cocaína rosa," is a substance that has gained significant popularity across South America, Europe, and recently in the United States. Despite the playful name and the pink color that often accompanies it, Tusi is far from harmless. It's crucial to understand that Tusi is not the same as 2C-B, a psychedelic compound from the 2C series, though the two are frequently confused (1). Various warnings have been issued about products labeled as 2C-B that, in reality, contain no actual 2C-B (3).
Is Tusi the Same as 2C-B?
No they are not the same. The confusion between Tusi and 2C-B is largely due to the name "Tusi," which phonetically resembles "2C-B," and the substance's pink color, often accompanied by a sweet scent. However, these characteristics are part of a marketing strategy rather than indicators of the actual ingredients (2). The term "pink cocaine" is particularly misleading, as it may lead users to believe they are consuming a form of cocaine, which can result in dangerous misunderstandings about its effects.
The Composition of Tusi
Tusi typically presents as a pink powder with a sweet scent, often enhanced with food coloring to make it more appealing. The drug first emerged in Colombia around 2010 and initially contained the psychedelic 2C-B (5). However, drug-checking studies have shown that 2C-B is now rarely found in Tusi. Instead, Tusi is often a mix of unpredictable substances, including ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, cocaine, opioids, or other new psychoactive substances (1).
The exact purpose behind these mixtures remains unclear, though it's possible that traffickers aim to replicate the stimulant and hallucinogenic effects of 2C-B (5). For instance, in Spain, the organization Energy Control found that Tusi samples predominantly contained ketamine and MDMA, with no traces of 2C-B (4). Similarly, DrugsData.org, an anonymous lab-based drug testing program, reported finding ketamine, MDMA, and caffeine in samples labeled as Tusi or 2C-B, again with no actual 2C-B present (1).
In 2021, the National Drug Observatory of Chile raised concerns about the growing prevalence of “tuci” products, which also did not contain 2C-B. In fact, 99% of the samples tested from the 2C group contained ketamine, a trend also observed in Argentina and Uruguay (3).
Figure (1): Drugs detected within the 19 pink powder tusi/2C-B submissions to DrugsData between 2019 and 2022.
Why Understanding Tusi is Crucial
The widespread misinformation surrounding Tusi underscores the urgent need for more research into its prevalence, usage, effects, and associated risks. The confusion between Tusi and 2C-B could lead to incorrect data collection in surveys, resulting in inaccurate conclusions (1). It’s essential that researchers and educators clarify the differences between these substances to ensure accurate data and proper harm reduction strategies.
The Risks of Using Tusi
Using Tusi without knowing its true contents can lead to unintentional polydrug use, higher-than-intended doses, and unexpected drug combinations. Since each batch of Tusi can vary widely in its composition, the effects can differ significantly depending on what is consumed (3). Many users report a mix of sedative, hallucinogenic, and stimulant effects due to the combination of substances like MDMA, ketamine, and caffeine (2).
The unpredictable nature of Tusi's composition means that users are often unaware of what they are actually consuming, which greatly increases the risk of adverse reactions (4). For instance, someone expecting a mild psychedelic experience might instead encounter intense stimulant effects, leading to discomfort or even dangerous situations.
ALIVE on-site drug checking
During a recent on-site substance check, a substance sold as ketamine was found to be a potent cocktail of different components. An alert was issued regarding this substance so that people in the surrounding area could be informed.
The image shows that the substance tested positive for MDMA, cocaine, opioids, and methamphetamine. This information has been crucial in preventing potential issues, such as the risks associated with mixing this substance with alcohol for example.
Conclusion: The Need for Education and Drug Checking
To address the challenges posed by this unpredictable drug mix, it is crucial to spread awareness and provide education about Tusi. Understanding what is actually in the drug is essential before consumption, as this knowledge can help mitigate the risks associated with its use (4) . Researchers studying new drugs and market trends must thoroughly investigate these developments (1), especially as the internet and social media enable the rapid spread of new substances and mixtures, often without public awareness.
Drug checking should be a priority in all settings, whether at festivals, parties, or private gatherings. Since consuming Tusi means ingesting a potentially dangerous mixture (4), it’s advisable to analyze your sample whenever possible. Only through testing can the true contents of Tusi be determined, enabling informed decision-making and reducing harm.
References
Text:
- Palamar, J. J. (2023). Tusi: a new ketamine concoction complicating the drug landscape. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 49(5), 546-550. doi: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2207716.
- Usersnews.com.au, NUAA admin.
- Undoc. (2022). Tuci, “happy water,” “k-powdered milk” – is the illicit market for ketamine expanding? Volume 27.
- Energy Control Organization.
- Vice. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.vice.com/en/article/pink-cocaine-tusi-colombia-drug/
Figures:
(1) Palamar, J. J. (2023). Tusi: a new ketamine concoction complicating the drug landscape. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 49(5), 546-550. doi: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2207716.
Drugs detected within the 19 pink powder tusi/2C-B submissions to DrugsData between 2019 and 2022.