What is Pink Cocaine (Tucibi)?

Pink cocaine is a powdered combination of substances that typically produces mind-altering and hallucinogenic effects.¹ The powder itself is dyed with pink food coloring, hence the name “pink” cocaine.^1,2 

The original compound in pink cocaine was 2C-B, a member of the 2C family of phenethylamines.² 2C phenethylamines are a class of substances that cause psychoactive and stimulant effects and are similar in structure to MDMA.^3,4 Today, the majority of pink cocaine no longer contains 2C-B, as 2C-B is not nearly as readily available as other substances that produce similar effects, such as MDMA and methamphetamine.^1,5 

Pink cocaine is often referred to by the street names “tusi” (a phonetic play on 2C) or “tucibi” for 2C-B.² There are a variety of different spellings for these street names, including the following:²

• Tuci
• Tussi
• Tucci
• Tusibi

Is Pink Cocaine Actually Cocaine?

While pink cocaine can sometimes contain cocaine, it is usually a mix of other substances, many of which produce similar effects to 2C-B.^1,2 An analysis of pink powder submissions in the U.S. between 2019 and 2022 showed the presence of the following substances in pink cocaine:²

• Ketamine (94.7%)
• MDMA (63.2%)
• Methamphetamine (15.8%)
• Cocaine (10.5%)
• Oxycodone (10.5%)
• DMT (5.3%)
• Tramadol (5.3%)

In addition to these, pink cocaine is also known to contain other substances, including the veterinary sedative Xylazine and the popular opioid fentanyl, which was responsible for nearly 75,000 deaths in 2023.¹ Without proper testing, it is impossible to know exactly which of these or other substances may be in pink cocaine.¹ 

Effects of Pink Cocaine 

Since pink cocaine can contain several various drugs, the specific effects a person may experience when using this substance can vary.⁵  Most people use pink cocaine for the desired effects it can produce, such as euphoria, sociability, and an overall sense of openness.^2,5 However, the use of this substance can cause undesirable effects, too.

Some of these effects include, but are not limited to, the following:^2,5

• Sedation.
• Dizziness.
• Vomiting .
• Loss of consciousness.
• Hallucinations.
• Anxiety. 
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure. 

How Widespread is Pink Cocaine?

Since 2020, the DEA has seized 960 pink powders. Compare that to the 180 million fentanyl pills they seized within that same time period, and it is clear that pink cocaine is not a widespread substance at this time.¹ 

Dangers of Pink Cocaine

The use of any type of drug is dangerous, however the use of an illicitly manufactured substance like pink cocaine can be especially dangerous given the wide variation of substances that it may contain. 

Therefore, depending on the how much of which substances are in each batch, pink cocaine may possibly lead to serious dangers, such as:⁸

• Respiratory depression, especially when used in large amounts and/or alongside other depressants such as alcohol or opioids. 
• Sharp rise in body temperature, potentially causing kidney failure.
• Seizures, strokes, or problems with heart rhythm.  
• Loss of consciousness, which may possibly lead to coma
• Erratic and/or aggressive behavior.
• Death.

Is Pink Cocaine Addictive?

Addiction occurs when a person experiences a loss of control over the intense urges to continue misusing a substance, regardless of how their use may negatively impact their life or the lives of those around them.⁹ At this time, there is currently not enough data or research to determine the addictive potential of pink cocaine. However, pink cocaine does contain substances that are known to be addictive, including ketamine, opioids, and meth.^1,2 

Can You Die From Pink Cocaine?

Yes, it is possible to die as a result of using pink cocaine, especially considering that one of the most significant risk factors for overdose is not knowing what other substances you may be consuming while using.² Pink cocaine, in particular, is often mixed with a variety of random drugs, which can significantly raise your risk of overdose.²

Risk Factors for Pink Cocaine Overdose 

In addition to using a drug with ingredients that regularly vary, there are several other risk factors that can influence your potential for overdosing on pink cocaine. 

These can include, but are not limited to, the following:^10,11

• Having mental health issues 
• Experiencing emotional trauma 
• Taking more than one substance at a time
• The route of administration of the drug (e.g., taking it intravenously, nasally, orally, etc.)
• Having a low drug tolerance (which can occur both when someone has never used the substance before, or if they begin using the same amount they used to prior to a period of sobriety)

Fentanyl in Pink Cocaine

Like most other illicit substances in the United States, pink cocaine has been and will likely continue to be cut with powerful substances like fentanyl.² It is common practice for manufacturers to mix fentanyl and cocaine together in an effort to turn a larger profit. Unfortunately, this can increase the risk of suffering an overdose when using substances like pink cocaine.

Dangers of Drinking Alcohol While Using Pink Cocaine

The co-use of addictive substances is common, however mixing alcohol with pink cocaine is never safe.^2,12 Mixing alcohol with other drugs like pink cocaine can increase your risk factor for overdose, as well as cause serious damage to your neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems, among other severe repercussions.¹²

How to Help a Loved One With Substance Use Disorder

If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to pink cocaine or any other addictive substance, know that there is help – and it’s right at your fingertips.

Call us right now at and you will be immediately connected to one of our kind, compassionate, and experienced rehab admissions navigators who can help you get started on the road to recovery. 

Through this no-obligation call, our navigators can provide you with more information, including the levels of care we offer at our facilities, such as:

• Medical detox.
• Inpatient addiction treatment.
• Intensive outpatient addiction treatment programs.
• Partial hospitalization rehab programs.
• Outpatient programs for drug and alcohol addiction.
• Sober living.
• Aftercare programs.

Start the Recovery Journey Today

Get started on your path to recovery right now by contacting us at AAC today. Learn more about how to use health insurance coverage for rehab and have any and all questions you have answered by our team. 

Do not wait any longer. Connect with us now by calling .