You’ve likely seen a new substance called “pink cocaine” in the news recently. So, is it really cocaine, just colored pink?

What is pink cocaine?

Pink cocaine, also called “tusi,” (the pronunciation of “2C”) is pink, but it has little, if any, cocaine in it. Instead, it is a combination of substances typically mostly made up of ketamine, which is mixed with MDMA (AKA molly or ecstasy), meth, caffeine and other mind-altering substances.¹ However, it has also been found to contain opioids, bath salts, LSD and mescaline.² Pink cocaine is a powder colored with pink food dye. It’s usually snorted or taken in pill form.

In another twist, “tusi,” though it is named after 2C-B drugs, does not usually include 2C-B-class substances, which are other mind-altering compounds made in a lab and commonly known as “club drugs.” This misleading name can be very dangerous. People may take tusi thinking it contains 2C-B drugs or cocaine but are really ingesting an unknown mixture of other substances.

Pink cocaine has been increasingly used at parties, raves, and festivals, especially in places like Latin America and Europe. News reports have shown that it is becoming more common among young people looking for a “fun” drug experience.³

What are the risks and effects of pink cocaine?

Pink cocaine may seem less harmful because of its fun-sounding name and colorful appearance, but it’s far from safe. Because it’s a mixture of different substances, it’s impossible for someone to know what exactly is in it unless it’s sampled in a lab—and what its effects are. It is also often a mixture of depressants and stimulants, which do different things to the body. Depressants slow the central nervous system while stimulants speed it up, resulting in conflicting messages to the body. Effects may include: 

• Feelings of euphoria or happiness 

• Sedation or feeling very calm 

• Blacking out 

• Passing out 

• Dizziness 

• Nausea and vomiting 

• Higher heart rate 

• Seizures 

• Coma 

Since the primary substance is often ketamine, many of its effects may occur. For instance, a person might have problems with attention, learning ability, and memory. In high doses, ketamine can cause delirium or extreme confusion, memory loss, problems with physical movement, high blood pressure, and depression. There is also the possibility of developing psychosis (e.g., a break from reality, seeing or hearing things that aren’t real) and breathing problems that can be fatal. And ketamine is even more dangerous when mixed with other substances, just like tusi.

How can I protect my loved one?

Because pink cocaine can be made up of so many unknown substances, it can be hard to know what exactly to do about it. If you know or suspect your loved one is using illicit substances, there are strategies they can take to reduce their risk: 

• Don’t use alone 

• Don’t mix substances as taking pink cocaine along with alcohol or other drugs increases the risk of serious health problems. 

• Use fentanyl and xylazine test strips

• Carry naloxone (Narcan) 

• Learn how to do rescue breathing and chest compressions 

If you’re concerned about your loved one’s substance use and aren’t sure where to turn, you can contact our support services here.