6APB

6-APB (also known as “Benzofury” or “Benzo Fury”) is sold as a white, beige, or light-brown powder, in capsules, or as a pill (“pellets”). The drug has been present on the drug market since 2011. This is a relatively short period, which is why the drug is also classified as a designer drug or new psychoactive substance (NPS). Very little is known about designer drugs and NPS. There is often little or no research available on them. Therefore, there is also limited knowledge about 6-APB, and not all of its risks are known.

Contents of this article

• Effects and how 6-APB works
• Risks of 6-APB
• How many people use 6-APB?
• How addictive is 6-APB?
• Is 6-APB illegal?
• Frequently asked questions

The effects of 6-APB can be compared to those of MDMA (the active substance in ecstasy). This does not mean that the effects and risks are the same. 6-APB is classified under List 1A of the Opium Act. It is prohibited to manufacture, sell, or possess 6-APB.

Some people refer to 6-APB as “Benzo.” This can be very confusing because benzodiazepines (sleeping pills and tranquilizers) are also sometimes called “benzos.” The effects and risks of benzodiazepines are very different from those of 6-APB.

Most people take 6-APB as a pill or capsule. Snorting it is considered painful and unpleasant. Because 6-APB is often a very fine powder, it can sometimes enter the lungs when snorted. If it gets into the lungs, a person may experience very severe coughing.

How Many People Use 6-APB in the Netherlands?

In 2020, approximately 1 in 1,000 adults in the Netherlands had used 6-APB at least once. In a 2023 study, 4.4% of people aged 16–35 who go out reported having used 6-APB at least once. It is not surprising that 6-APB use is higher among people who go out regularly, as this group uses drugs more frequently on average.

6-APB Experiences

Very little is known about 6-APB. As a result, much of the available information comes from people sharing their experiences online. This information is often unreliable. For example, people frequently do not report how much they used or whether they also used other drugs or medications.

Effects of 6-APB

The effects of 6-APB last approximately 7 to 10 hours. It can take more than an hour before someone begins to feel the effects. If someone has eaten a large meal beforehand, the onset may take even longer.

The effects can resemble those of MDMA and speed (amphetamine). People who use 6-APB may feel awake and happy and may feel less tired. They often want to interact with other people and may experience increased confidence and, sometimes, increased sexual interest.

At higher amounts, people may experience psychedelic effects. For example, they may perceive things differently through sight, touch, or smell. Colors may appear more intense, and objects may appear to move. Users also report that the effects can vary considerably from person to person.

Risks of 6-APB

Very little research has been conducted into the risks of 6-APB in humans. However, there are known cases in which people who used 6-APB were hospitalized or died. It is also clear that higher amounts and combining 6-APB with other drugs or alcohol increase the risks.

Many of the negative effects are similar to those associated with MDMA. However, because so little is known about 6-APB, users are effectively exposing themselves to a substance whose risks have not been adequately studied.

Reported negative effects include:

• Becoming dangerously overheated
• Anxiety
• Suspicious or paranoid thoughts
• Seeing things that are not actually there
• Muscle tension
• Nausea
• Restlessness or agitation
• Headaches
• Heart palpitations

Some people report that using 6-APB can result in a severe comedown or hangover. This can be made worse by poor eating and sleeping after use. The following day, a person may feel extremely tired. Some people also experience depressive or anxious feelings in the days following use.

If you experience symptoms after using 6-APB, or are concerned about someone else’s use or your own use, you can contact Drugs Info anonymously by telephone, chat, or email.

Addiction

There has not yet been research into how addictive 6-APB is. The risk of addiction is thought to potentially be comparable to that of ecstasy (MDMA). Some users may experience craving while using it—a strong urge to use more or continue using.

People who take additional amounts report that the effects can last for a very long time and that side effects become stronger. More frequent use may also result in reduced effects and more severe comedowns.

Legislation

6-APB has been prohibited in the Netherlands since July 1, 2025. It falls under List 1A of the Opium Act, which contains substances covered by the Dutch ban on groups of designer drugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Using 6-APB Dangerous?

6-APB cannot be considered safe to use. Some of its risks can be inferred from its effects, which are somewhat similar to those of MDMA or speed. However, other risks remain unknown because there has been little to no research into 6-APB.

This lack of knowledge itself creates risks. For example, it is not clear which medications could interact dangerously with 6-APB. Medical professionals may also be unfamiliar with the substance, which can make treatment more difficult if something goes wrong.

How Long Does 6-APB Last?

6-APB produces effects for approximately 7–10 hours. This does not mean that someone will be completely sober after 7–10 hours. After-effects can continue for much longer. A person may no longer experience the energy and happiness associated with 6-APB but may still feel unusually awake and have difficulty sleeping.

Is Combining 6-APB With Alcohol Dangerous?

Combining 6-APB with alcohol increases the risks. The chances of experiencing headaches, nausea, dehydration, and heart problems may increase, as can the risk of taking too much. The combination may also produce less pleasant effects and a more severe comedown.

Alcohol can mask some of the perceived effects of 6-APB while also contributing to dehydration.