Mephedrone - Knowing the facts....
What is mephedrone? Mephedrone is a powerful stimulant drug with similar effects to amphetamine, ecstasy and cocaine.
What does it look like and how is it taken? A white, off-white or yellowish powder that is usually snorted but can also be swallowed from wraps of paper (small hand made packages often made with tobacco rolling paper).
What’s in mephedrone? It is one of a group of drugs derived from cathinone, a naturally occurring stimulant found in the khat plant. The compound is custom-synthesised in Chinese laboratories.
Is it legal? It is legal to possess and supply mephedrone as long as it is sold as a “plant food” and carries the disclaimer “not for human consumption”. Mephedrone is available over the internet and in head shops (new age shops selling illegal drugs paraphernalia). Mephedrone is not currently controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, although its status may change shortly as it is currently under review by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. Mephedrone is illegal in Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Israel and a controlled drug in Germany.
What are its effects? There have been no formal studies of the effects or toxicity of mephedrone, but people report a sense of euphoria, being more alert, confident and talkative and having a sense of wellbeing. A feeling of empathy with those around is also reported. Side effects include irregular or racing heart, blurred vision, fits, hot flushes, nausea and vomiting and muscle tension. It also acts as an appetite suppressant. If snorted, side effects include nosebleeds and sore nasal passages, throat and mouth, with burns and cuts caused by the chemicals.
What are the risks? The risks include over-stimulation of the heart and nervous system, severe nosebleeds, anxiety and paranoid states, reduced inhibitions, agitation and fits. Reports say it can be compulsive to use and can create a state of psychological dependence. Unpleasant come-downs are reported often presented as feelings of anxiety, sleeplessness and hallucinations. The risks are increased if combined with alcohol or other drugs. Mephedrone has been linked to deaths in the UK and abroad. Results of a toxicology report on a 46 year old man who died in Hove in February 2010 showed that he had died of a heart attack after taking mephedrone. Mephedrone has been linked to the recent deaths of two teenagers in Scunthorpe but toxicology reports are not yet available. In December 2008 an 18 year old died in Sweden, reportedly after taking mephedrone, prompting Sweden to make mephedrone illegal.
Lack of research There are no data on the effects of mephedrone on the body. Legal highs can contain a range of potentially dangerous chemicals and the actual chemical make up of the product can change, meaning that there is no certainty over what has been bought and what its effects will be. The chemicals in legal highs have, in most cases, never before been used as drugs, so have had no tests performed on them to show that they are safe.
Other names for mephedrone Meow, m-Cat, MC, meow meow, 4MMC, meph, bubbles, white magic, plant feeder
Price Mephedrone is mainly sold in bags containing a gram of the drug which retails for between £10 - £15.00 on line or in head shops.
Useful Links:
DSCF briefing for schools - 19.3.10 http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/_doc/14754/Mephedrone.html
DCSF news release saying teachers have the legal right to confiscate mephedrone http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/news/index.cfm?event=news.item&id=vernon_coaker_teachers_do_have_the_legal_right_to_confiscate_mephedrone
Talk to Frank:http://www.talktofrank.com/drugs.aspx?id=3597
Drugscope:http://www.drugscope.org.uk/resources/drugsearch/drugsearchpages/mephedrone