2C-B was created by chemist Alexander Shulgin during the 1970s psychedelic renaissance. It was initially used as a therapeutic aid before becoming popular in the global drug culture. In the Netherlands, 2C-B was embraced in the 1990s but later became a controlled substance.

2C-B belongs to the phenethylamine family and interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, affecting mood, perception, and thought.

2C-B is available in various forms, including powders, pills, and liquids. It can be swallowed, snorted, or placed under the tongue. Oral ingestion usually has an onset of 45 minutes to an hour, with effects lasting up to 12 hours, depending on the dose. 

2C-B can amplify tactile sensations, making them more intense and often pleasurable. It may also cause nausea or headaches. Visually, colors become more vivid, and time perception can distort. Emotions can fluctuate, leading to profound changes in mood. 

2C-B is classified as a controlled substance in many countries, including the Netherlands, where it has been illegal since 1997. 

Research into 2C-B’s therapeutic potential is limited compared to other psychedelics like psilocybin or LSD.