SCIENTIFIC TERM:
2-Methylamino-1-p-tolylpropan-1-one.
STREET NAMES:
Meph, MC, MCAT, M-Cat, 4-MMC, Miaow, Meow Meow, Bubbles, Bounce, Charge, Drone, White Magic, Marzipan, Methylone
EFFECTS:
Often described as a mix between Amphetamines, Ecstasy and Cocaine. Users feel alert, confident, euphoric and talkative, and some feel greater empathy with those around them. The effects last about an hour, but this can vary.
DRUG FORM & METHOD OF USE:
A fine white, off-white or yellowish powder - usually snorted like Cocaine or swallowed ‘bombed’ in wraps of paper. Can be smoked and in rare cases is injected. Also comes in capsules and pills.
HEALTH RISKS (long term) which includes withdrawal & tolerance:
You increase the risk to yourself if you combine Alcohol with any substance that causes a ''high'', including the risk of death. Other risks include reduced inhibitions, drowsiness, excited or paranoid states, coma, seizures, and death. Because these drugs are new and, in many cases, their chemical make-up is constantly changing, the risks are unpredictable and are often still being assessed. Reports suggest it can be compulsive to use and can create a state of psychological dependence (and consequent compulsive re-dosing may itself lead to increased health harms). It has been reported that once users start a session, they can find it very difficult to stop until they’ve used their entire supply - behaviour known as ‘fiending’.
LAW:
Cathinone itself and certain derivatives are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. These are Cathinone (Class C), Methcathinone (Class B), Diethylpropion (Class C) and Pyrovalerone (Class C). From the 16th April 2010, the entire ‘family’ of cathinone derivatives became controlled as Class B drugs. These include, but are not restricted to; M4-Methylmethcathinone, (Mephedrone), 4-Methoxymethcathinone (bk-PMMA/ Methedrone, 3-Fluoromethcathinone, 2-Methylamino-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)propan-1-one (bk-MDMA/methylone), 2-Methylamino-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)butan-1-one (bk-MBDB/butylone), Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). This means they are illegal to possess, give away or sell. Possession can get you up to five years in jail. Supplying someone else, including your friends, can get you up to fourteen years in jail and an unlimited fine.