What is Tusi and Why is it Gaining Popularity?

Tusi, often referred to as "tucibí" or "pink cocaine," has emerged as a troubling new trend in nightlife, particularly among electronic dance music (EDM) revelers in New York City. With its roots in Latin America and Europe, this drug mixture has started to gain traction in the U.S. in just a matter of years.

Startling Statistics from NYC Nightclubs

A new study published in Addiction forecasts that by 2024, about 2.7% of adults who frequent NYC nightclubs for EDM will have used Tusi within the last year. Notably, the prevalence is even higher among Hispanic populations and those already engaged in other drug use.

The Confusion Surrounding Tusi

One of the biggest hazards of Tusi is the confusion surrounding its true composition. Many users mistakenly associate it with the 2C family of psychedelic drugs, largely due to its name being a phonetic nod to "2C." Tusi is often marketed as "tucibí" or "pink cocaine," leading users to believe they're consuming pure cocaine or psychedelic substances. However, the reality is much different.

The Danger Lurking in Tusi's Composition

In truth, Tusi is usually a cocktail of ketamine and MDMA, and sometimes includes cocaine. This unpredictable mixture poses significant risks. According to Dr. Joseph Palamar from NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the confusion surrounding Tusi’s identity can lead to unexpected and dangerous effects. "Drug users are always at risk of consuming substances that are adulterated or entirely different than expected," he warns.

Study Methodology: How Tusi Use Was Measured

The study's findings come from a self-reported survey of 1,465 adults attending 124 EDM events across New York City from January to November 2024. Participants were asked about their drug usage before entering the nightclub, providing valuable insights into Tusi's prevalence among club-goers.

Global Context: The Awareness of Tusi Abroad

Reports of ketamine/MDMA mixtures known as Tusi have been circulating in Spain since around 2018. Drug monitoring initiatives in Argentina have been analyzing its content since at least 2019, with similar measures in Uruguay, Colombia, and Chile in subsequent years. Unfortunately, data specific to Tusi's use in the U.S. remains notably sparse.

Conclusion: A Growing Concern for Nightlife Safety

As Tusi continues to gain popularity in NYC's nightlife scene, the combination of its potentially harmful contents and widespread misunderstanding of what users are actually consuming raises significant health concerns. Increased awareness and education surrounding Tusi are critical to ensuring the safety of nightclub attendees.