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Last Updated on May 7, 2025 by Randy Withers
It looks like cotton candy and smells like strawberries. Dealers call it “Tusi,” “Tuci,” or “pink cocaine,” and for partygoers in cities like Miami, Medellín, and New York, it promises a quick high. But this vibrant powder hides a dark reality.
Despite the name, Tusi rarely contains cocaine. Instead, it’s an unpredictable chemical mix—ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and whatever else the maker decides to toss in. There’s no regulation. No consistency. No safe dose.
In this article, we’ll unpack what Tusi actually is, how it spread across continents, the health dangers you need to know, and how to help someone who may be using. (And for readers who found us while looking up what is tulsi, we’ll redirect you gently—this is not that kind of herb.)
Whether you’re a concerned friend, a therapist, or someone navigating nightlife, this guide is for you.
What Is Tusi—and Why It’s So Dangerous
Tusi (AKA pink cocaine) is a street name that came from the pronunciation of 2C-B, a synthetic hallucinogen. While it once contained traces of 2C-B, today’s Tusi rarely does. Most batches are a mix of psychoactive substances—ketamine, MDMA, caffeine, meth, and sometimes fentanyl, one of the most dangerous opioids in circulation.
According to the DEA, lab tests of seized samples have revealed wildly inconsistent contents. The powder’s pink color comes from food dye, not drug type or purity.
In a 2024 study published in Addiction, nearly 3% of adults entering electronic music events in New York City reported using Tusi in the past year. Most had no idea what was in it.
This is the core risk: Tusi is not one drug—it’s many. One line might make you euphoric. The next could send you to the ER.
How Tusi Became a Global Trend
Tusi first emerged in Colombia around 2018, marketed as an upscale alternative to cocaine. It spread through Medellín’s elite club scene, prized for its color, scent, and social cachet. The name stuck, even as the ingredients shifted.
From there, it moved into party circuits in Spain—especially Ibiza and Marbella—and across Europe. Post-pandemic nightlife gave it fertile ground to grow. The pink powder stood out, and many people assumed it was “cleaner” than other drugs. Hence the term “pink cocaine.”
But as Tusi entered the U.S., so did the danger. Cities like Miami, Los Angeles, and New York have all seen rising reports of Tusi-related incidents. America’s Poison Centers documented multiple cases of pink cocaine exposure in 2023 alone, many requiring medical treatment.
What looks trendy can turn deadly in seconds.
Health Risks and Side Effects of “Pink Cocaine”
Because there’s no standard formula, the risks vary from dose to dose. But common dangers include:
- Heart problems: Irregular heartbeat, spikes in blood pressure, and even cardiac arrest
- Psychological effects: Anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, confusion
- Neurological damage: Seizures or long-term cognitive problems
- Respiratory depression: Especially when opioids like fentanyl are present
- Overdose: Possible even in small amounts, especially when mixed with alcohol
Tusi is often taken in high-energy settings—crowded clubs, hot environments, loud music—all of which can amplify its effects and mask early signs of overdose.
What to Do If Someone’s Using Tusi
Whether you suspect someone is experimenting with Tusi or you’re in the room with someone who’s visibly under its influence, knowing how to respond can make a life-saving difference.
In the Moment: Responding to Acute Intoxication
If someone appears high on Tusi—especially if they’re confused, panicked, or fading in and out of consciousness—take it seriously. Because Tusi often contains unknown combinations of drugs, effects can escalate quickly and unpredictably.
Signs of danger include:
- Slurred speech or inability to stay awake
- Agitation, paranoia, or hallucinations
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Seizures or tremors
- Shallow, slowed, or stopped breathing
- Pale or bluish lips, nails, or skin
Here’s what you can do:
- Call emergency services immediately. Describe what you suspect they took and all symptoms you’re observing.
- Don’t leave them alone. Stay nearby and monitor their breathing, pulse, and awareness level.
- Keep them safe. If they’re having a seizure, clear the area and gently turn them on their side. Don’t try to restrain them.
- Use naloxone (Narcan) if available and you suspect fentanyl could be involved (it often is). Naloxone is safe and has no effect if opioids aren’t present.
- Avoid giving food, drink, or other substances. These could worsen symptoms or cause choking if consciousness is impaired.
You don’t have to be sure it’s Tusi—treat all suspected drug reactions as medical emergencies. The faster a person gets help, the better their chance of recovery.
Outside the Crisis: Having the Conversation
If the person is safe but you know or suspect they’ve used Tusi, the way you approach them matters. Lead with concern, not confrontation.
Tips for a supportive conversation:
- Pick the right moment. Wait until they’re sober, rested, and not in the middle of a comedown.
- Use curiosity, not judgment. Try: “Hey, I’ve heard a lot about Tusi lately—can you help me understand what it’s like?”
- Express concern for their safety. Not their choices, their safety: “I know this stuff can be mixed with fentanyl. I’d be devastated if something happened to you.”
- Avoid scare tactics. Focus on what they care about—health, goals, relationships—not just the risks.
- Offer options, not ultimatums. Whether it’s reading up together, attending a harm reduction workshop, or exploring therapy, give them room to say yes without shame.
How to Prepare and Protect
Even if you don’t use drugs, being prepared could save someone’s life.
- Carry naloxone. In many states, it’s available at pharmacies without a prescription. You can also order it free from Next Distro.
- Know the signs of overdose. Review them regularly, especially if you’re in nightlife, healthcare, or education.
- Share this article. The more people understand what Tusi is, the better our communities can respond.
- Connect them with resources. Local clinics, helplines, and treatment programs often offer free consults or assessments.
Treatment and Support Options
Because Tusi is a street blend of multiple substances, treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people experience stimulant-related effects (from meth or MDMA), others opioid-related withdrawal (from fentanyl), and many deal with long-term anxiety, depression, or trauma triggered or worsened by drug use. That’s why a comprehensive, tailored approach to recovery is so important.
Step One: Assessment and Medical Detox
If someone has been using Tusi regularly, especially if fentanyl or meth is involved, a medical evaluation is the safest place to start.
- Medical detox programs provide 24/7 supervision while a person clears the drug from their system.
- Detox can help manage withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, agitation, depression, nausea, or cravings.
- Hospitals and inpatient detox centers can also monitor for complications like seizures or heart problems, which are more likely if stimulants or opioids are involved.
Some people may not require formal detox. If Tusi use is occasional, outpatient evaluation with a physician or addiction specialist may be enough to begin.
Step Two: Behavioral and Psychological Treatment
Detox alone doesn’t address the underlying reasons people use drugs—or how to stay sober afterward. That’s where therapy comes in.
Evidence-based therapies include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify triggers, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and build healthier coping strategies.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): Encourages readiness for change through collaborative, non-judgmental conversation.
- Contingency Management (CM): Offers structured rewards for staying drug-free and meeting treatment goals.
- Trauma-Informed Therapy: Especially important if Tusi use is tied to past abuse, PTSD, or ongoing emotional pain.
Therapy can be done one-on-one, in group settings, or through intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), which combine multiple approaches several days a week.
Harm Reduction for Those Not Ready to Quit
Not everyone is ready to stop using, and that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve care or support.
Harm reduction strategies include:
- Drug-checking kits to identify substances like fentanyl or unexpected additives.
- Using in safe environments with trusted friends and avoiding mixing Tusi with alcohol or other depressants.
- Carrying naloxone and knowing how to use it.
- Setting limits on frequency and dosage to reduce risk of overdose or psychological harm.
If you’re not ready to quit, talk to a harm reduction advocate or therapist anyway. Support doesn’t have to start with sobriety—it can start with a single, honest conversation.
Support Systems That Work
Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. Whether someone is seeking full sobriety or just trying to cut back, ongoing support is essential.
Options include:
- Peer support groups, like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, or Refuge Recovery
- Family therapy, especially when relationships have been affected by use
- Case management services for help with housing, employment, or healthcare
- Recovery coaching for goal-setting, accountability, and daily structure
If you’re unsure where to begin, start with the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Remember: Recovery Is Personal
Some people relapse. Some take years to decide they want help. Others find success on the first try. There’s no single timeline or method that works for everyone.
What matters most is that help is out there, and it’s okay to ask for it—no matter where you’re starting from.
Final Thoughts
Tusi’s rise is no accident. It blends aesthetics, misinformation, and accessibility in a way that feels safe—harmless even. But that illusion is exactly what makes it so dangerous. It’s not “pink cocaine.” It’s a chemical wildcard, cobbled together in uncontrolled environments and sold under a name that disguises the risks.
What makes Tusi especially concerning is not just what it contains, but how little anyone knows about it—not the user, not the dealer, not even the lab until it’s tested. When fentanyl is part of the mix—and increasingly, it is—one line can kill.
If you or someone you love is experimenting with Tusi, now is the time to get educated. Learn what’s in it. Understand how it affects the brain and body. Start a conversation—not from a place of shame, but from a place of care.
For professionals, parents, and public health workers, this is the moment to respond—not with fear tactics, but with facts. Harm reduction, access to treatment, and real drug education are the best tools we have to fight this growing trend.
You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference. You just need to be informed—and willing to speak up.
FAQ: Tusi (Pink Cocaine)
What is Tusi (“Pink Cocaine”?
Tusi—also called pink cocaine—is a synthetic drug cocktail, usually containing a mix of ketamine, MDMA, caffeine, meth, and sometimes fentanyl. It rarely contains cocaine.
Why is Tusi so dangerous?
Because there’s no standard formula, users never know what they’re getting. Tusi (or “Pink Cocaine” can cause seizures, cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or overdose—especially when mixed with alcohol or other drugs.
Where is Tusi being used?
Tusi started in Colombia but has spread across Europe and into U.S. cities like Miami, NYC, and Los Angeles. It’s popular in nightlife and club scenes.
Is Tusi addictive?
Yes. Many of its ingredients—like methamphetamine and opioids—are highly addictive. Repeated use can lead to dependence and withdrawal.
How do I get help for Tusi use?
Start with a call to SAMHSA’s Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP. You’ll be connected to detox, therapy, or support resources in your area.
