Methylone (Cathinones)
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.
- Cathinone is a naturally occurring Stimulant found in the Khat plant and Cathinones is the name given to a group of drugs that are ‘cousins’ of Amphetamine-like compounds that include Amphetamine itself (Speed), Cocaine and MDMA (Ecstasy).
- Cathinone is an Alkaloid (A member of a large group of chemicals that are made by plants and have nitrogen in them) that has been discovered some fifteen years ago in the leaves of the Khat bush.
- Cathinone is believed to be 7 to 10 times more potent than Cathine – the other ingredient found in Khat.
- Excessive Cathinone usage can cause loss of appetite, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, hallucinations and panic attacks. Chronic abusers are at risk of developing personality disorders and of sustaining Myocardial infarction. Persons driving under the influence of the drug have had their serum or urine tested for the presence of Cathinone and Norephedrine, a major Metabolite.
- Cathinones have been sold by independent dealers as Ecstasy in powdered form, in single-component tablets and capsules, and in tablets and capsules containing Cathinones combined with MDMA or other illicit controlled sub¬stances.
- Abusers typically ingest, inhale, inject, smoke, or snort (insufflate) the drugs to experi¬ence stimulant effects similar to those induced by Amphetamine.
- Cathinones are Central Nervous System Stimulants.
- Cathinone products are usually marketed as “bath salts,”
- Cathinones abusers are attracted to the drugs because they can evade most drug testing, because most current routine drug testing screens do not detect the presence of Cathinones.
- Cathinone is often termed as a ‘natural Amphetamine’ because it produces Amphetamine-like effects.
