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Published In: Substance Abuse | Feb 11 2025
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Tusi, a drug better known as “pink cocaine,” is gaining traction in party scenes worldwide. But here’s the catch: more often than not, it doesn’t actually contain cocaine at all. Instead, it’s a chemical mystery, often laced with unpredictable substances ranging from ketamine to MDMA, and in some cases, even fentanyl. Its striking pink color and association with nightlife culture make it seem trendy, but behind the vibrant facade lies a serious public health risk.
Originally surfacing in Colombia, pink cocaine has now spread to Europe and the U.S., where its popularity is fueled by social media, music festivals, and celebrity culture. Despite its growing presence in clubs and among young partygoers, few users truly understand what they’re taking—or the dangers that come with it. Unlike regulated substances, Tusi is an ever-changing mix of chemicals, meaning no two batches are the same. This inconsistency increases the risk of overdose, severe psychological effects, and even death.
Despite its street name, so-called pink cocaine rarely contains cocaine. The drug is also known as Tusi or Tucibi, a play on 2C and 2C-B, names for a class of drug that also has nothing to do with it. The pink cocaine drug is a synthetic party substance that typically contains a mix of ketamine, MDMA, and various other drugs. While its bright pink color—derived from food coloring and flavoring—makes it visually distinct, its chemical composition is anything but consistent.
Compared to actual cocaine, which is derived from the coca plant and acts as a powerful stimulant, Tusi is a blend of dissociatives, stimulants, and hallucinogens that vary widely from batch to batch, making it a risky gamble. Users expecting a stimulant experience may end up with unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects. Similarly, while the original 2C-B drug— a psychedelic stimulant first synthesized in the 1970s—was known for its hallucinogenic effects, modern Tusi rarely contains it.
Unlike pharmaceutical or regulated drugs, Tusi is not a single chemical compound. One of the biggest dangers of Tusi is that it has no fixed formula. One batch might contain ketamine and MDMA, while another could be laced with fentanyl, tramadol, or synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”). The lack of quality control in the illicit drug market means that even experienced users could find pink cocaine addictive as they have no way of knowing what they’re actually consuming. Lab tests and law enforcement seizures have revealed that most Tusi samples contain a combination of the following substances:
➔ Ketamine (Primary Ingredient): A dissociative anesthetic commonly used in veterinary medicine and human anesthesia. It produces hallucinogenic and sedative effects when abused and can cause memory loss, confusion, and loss of motor control at high doses.
➔ MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly): A stimulant and empathogen known for producing euphoria, increased energy, and emotional openness. Risks include dehydration, overheating, and serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal.
➔ Methamphetamine or Other Stimulants: Some batches contain meth or amphetamines, leading to an intense stimulant high that can cause aggression, paranoia, heart problems, and severe addiction with long-term use.
➔ Synthetic Cathinones: Commonly known as “Bath Salts,” these are dangerous psychoactive stimulants that mimic MDMA but with stronger, more erratic effects like hallucinations, paranoia, violent behavior, and severe anxiety attacks.
➔Fentanyl & Other Opioids: Some recent Tusi samples in the U.S. have tested positive for fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin. Fentanyl-laced Tusi poses an extreme overdose risk, especially if users assume they’re only taking a stimulant.
While Tusi has its roots in Colombia’s club scene, its spread to the U.S. and Europe has been relatively recent. The relatively new psychoactive substance first emerged in the early 2010s, gaining traction among wealthy partygoers due to its association with elite nightlife and electronic music festivals.
However, its rise in the U.S. has accelerated in the last few years. Throughout 2022 and 2023, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents in California, Texas, and Florida reported increased seizures of pink powders containing a mix of ketamine, MDMA, and methamphetamine. By 2024, authorities were issuing warnings about fentanyl-laced Tusi after finding contaminated batches across the country.
Misinformation is a major issue when it comes to Tusi. Unlike traditional street drugs, pink cocaine markets itself as an exclusive and trendy recreational drug, often associated with wealthier users and high-end club experiences. This false sense of prestige makes it appealing to young people looking for a “safer” alternative to harder drugs—when in reality, it’s anything but safe.
Reports of celebrities allegedly using the drug have piqued public interest and increased its growing reputation as a designer party drug. Most recently, the drug has reportedly been involved in the Sean “Diddy” Combs scandal, as well as the unfortunate passing of One Direction star, Liam Payne. Popular social media platforms have also played a huge role in the glamorizing of pink cocaine through pop culture influencers broadcasting its use at clubs and festivals.
While Tusi is often marketed as a “fun party drug,” its dangers are far greater than many users realize. Because every batch comes with an unregulated mix of psychoactive substances, it has serious and unpredictable risks, especially when combined with other drugs and alcohol abuse.
Most doses and potency are inconsistent, which dramatically increases the risk of overdose since users don’t know what they’re taking or how strong it is. Some samples contain lethal levels of stimulants, while others are more sedative-heavy. Fake versions of Tusi are also rampant, with some batches containing no MDMA or ketamine at all—just a mix of synthetic stimulants and cutting agents. If fentanyl is present, even a small amount can cause a fatal overdose.
Users often end up mixing the drug with alcohol and other substances in party settings, which can intensify the negative effects of pink cocaine. A mix of alcohol and Tusi can amplify sedative effects, leading to blackouts, vomiting, and respiratory depression. Adding opioids can slow breathing to dangerous levels, dramatically increasing the risk of death, While adding other stimulants can even lead to potential heart attacks or strokes.
Since Tusi often contains hallucinogenic and stimulant components, it can lead to severe anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks. Aggressive or violent behavior is also common, especially in stimulant-heavy batches. Drug-induced psychosis may also occur—which can persist even after the drug wears off—and because the ingredients in Tusi are so unpredictable they may also cause adverse reactions with prescription medications.
Using Tusi can cause cognitive impairments like memory loss and even contribute to other chronic mental health conditions due to the alteration of the brain’s hormone production. Some batches contain sedatives or dissociatives that can impair motor function and awareness, leaving users more vulnerable to dangerous situations like the various sex trafficking allegations in recent news. The loss of control and memory gaps make it difficult for users to recall what happened while under the influence. Liver and kidney damage is also common with long-term use due to toxic byproducts from synthetic drugs.
For individuals struggling with Tusi use, treatment is essential, especially given the drug’s unpredictable composition and the risks of substance use disorder. Since Tusi can contain stimulants, hallucinogens, dissociatives, and even opioids, the approach to treatment depends on what substances the person has been exposed to and how frequently they use the drug.
For heavy or frequent users, detoxing under medical supervision is often necessary, particularly if Tusi contains highly addictive substances like methamphetamine or opioids. Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on what was in the drug, but common withdrawal effects include intense cravings, severe fatigue, insomnia, and psychological effects like depression, anxiety, and mood swings. Medical detox programs help individuals withdraw safely, with doctors monitoring symptoms and providing medications if needed.
Inpatient rehab (residential treatment) is recommended for severe cases, especially if a person has become dependent on Tusi’s stimulant or dissociative effects. Outpatient rehab (treatment while living at home) can be effective for individuals with milder use patterns or those who need flexibility in their treatment. Both rehab options include evidence-based treatment models like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) where needed.
Since many Tusi users take the drug in party or social settings, underlying issues such as social anxiety and trauma may contribute to their drug use. Ongoing psychotherapy and counseling can help address these types of emotional triggers and impulsive behaviors while helping people process and manage any co-occurring mental health disorders that may stem from them.
Getting help with any addiction-related issues isn’t just about quitting drug abuse—it’s about understanding the risks, addressing underlying causes, and building a healthier, drug-free future. Psyclarity Health offers full-spectrum programs that cover the entire recovery journey. Whether someone is a casual user or experiencing dependency, there are effective treatment options and support systems available. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, reach out to our addiction specialist and take the first step toward recovery.
