DOCSLIB.ORG

Designer Drugs Are Prohibited in the Visa Payments System AP, Canada, CEMEA, Europe, LAC, U.S

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Designer Drugs Are Prohibited in the Visa Payments System AP, Canada, CEMEA, Europe, LAC, U.S Systems & Operations | Visa Rules 4 May 2017 Designer Drugs Are Prohibited in the Visa Payments System AP, Canada, CEMEA, Europe, LAC, U.S. | Acquirers, Issuers, Processors, Agents Overview: Acquirers must comply with Visa’s updated rules that prohibit merchants from accepting Visa cards for the purchase of designer drugs. Effective 1 October 2017, Visa will begin identifying acquirers with merchants that sell designer drugs; Visa may penalize those acquirers via the Global Brand Protection Program. Best practices for identifying rogue merchants selling these products are provided. Designer drugs are synthetic, chemical analogs of controlled substances, intended Mark Your Calendar: to imitate their psychoactive effects. The resulting products are structurally similar (often within one or two molecules) to illegal psychoactive drugs. Often marketed • Acquirers must comply with as street drug alternatives or as “legal” highs, designer drugs typically result in new rules that prohibit hallucinogenic, stimulative or opioid-like effects for the users. designer drugs in the Visa system (1 July 2017) In response to the growing threat of designer drugs to public health and safety, • GBPP enforcement of and to the Visa brand, Visa updated its rules effective 30 March 2017 to prohibit prohibited merchants take the use of Visa cards to purchase designer drugs. Acquirers must: effect (1 October 2017) Ensure that a Merchant, Payment Facilitator, Sponsored Merchant, or Staged Related Training From Digital Wallet Operator does not accept Visa Cards for, or display a Visa- Visa Business School: Owned Mark on a website that is used in relation to products that claim or • Fraud and Risk imply a similar efficacy as prescription drugs, controlled substances, or recreational / street drugs, irrespective of claims of legality or any other media or activities (ID#s: 0026379, 0005067, 0008355). Acquirers should review their portfolios and ensure compliance with the new rules before 1 July 2017, at which point they must ensure their portfolios do not contain merchants selling designer drugs, as defined in the updated Visa Rules. Why Designer Drugs Commonly Sold Online Are Dangerous Unlike traditional “street drugs” or controlled substances, which generally have a known composition, designer drugs contain almost any combination of chemicals in unknown quantities. The chemicals may be existing analogs or entirely new compositions that are unsafe and untested, and can lead to unpredictable, or even fatal, effects on the user. Manufacturers constantly alter the chemical formations to stay one step ahead of law enforcement officials, and they continue to market their products as so-called “legal” highs. Despite governmental efforts to ban these products and efforts by law enforcement to enforce such bans, these products are still readily available for purchase online: AI06528 • Synthetic Marijuana: Commonly known as “Spice” or “K2,” synthetic marijuana is a mixture of herbs and spices that are sprayed with a THC-like chemical. • Synthetic Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD): Better known as “N-Bomb” or “Smiles,” synthetic LSD is a phenethylamine. This type of synthetic drug mimics the effects of LSD and can cause hallucinations and paranoia. • Synthetic Stimulants: Also known as “cathinones,” synthetic stimulants mimic the effects of 3,4- methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), better known as “ecstasy” or “Molly.” Bath salts are also an example of cathinones. • Synthetic Phencyclidine (PCP) or Methoxamine (MSE): A synthetic compound that mimics the effects of PCP and can cause delusions, psychoses and a feeling of detachment. Consequences for Non-compliant Acquirers To protect the integrity of the payments system, Visa operates a Global Brand Protection Program (GBPP) to identify the acquirers of merchants that submit illegal or prohibited transactions into VisaNet. Effective 1 October 2017, via the GBPP, Visa will begin proactively identifying merchants selling designer drugs, as defined in the updated Visa Rules. Acquirers that process transactions for merchants that submit illegal or prohibited transactions are in violation of the Visa Rules and may be penalized under the GBPP. Initial identifications are subject to a non-compliance assessment of up to USD 25,000 per merchant or sponsored merchant, or per merchant URL or sponsored merchant URL, per calendar month of non-compliance. Subsequent violations are subject to a non-compliance assessment of up to USD 50,000 per merchant or sponsored merchant, or per merchant URL or sponsored merchant URL, increasing by up to USD 25,000 for each subsequent calendar month of non-compliance, up to a maximum of USD 100,000. Due Diligence Reviews Visa recommends that acquirers incorporate the Global Acquirer Risk Standards and the Global Brand Protection Program Guide for Acquirers, which outline underwriting, monitoring and control processes that must be in place as part of acquirers’ due diligence requirements. Acquirers should also routinely review the business models of their merchants, including all relevant products, services and marketing materials. They should periodically review their merchants' websites to ensure that all laws are followed, and, in particular, that restricted substances are not offered or sold. Acquirers may want to consider use of a third party agent to supplement their internet-monitoring efforts and must ensure that any utilized sales agents do not attempt to board this activity. Best Practices for Identifying Rogue Merchants To prevent the onboarding of designer-drug merchants, acquirers and agents should be aware of merchants that: • Label products "Not for Human Consumption" but actually target consumers AI06528 • Package products that are designed to attract consumers or are notably makeshift (e.g., packaged in sandwich bags) • Do not accompany products labeled as "research chemicals" with significant scientific data points (e.g., chemical structures and characteristics) • Use a frictionless checkout mechanism (typically, legitimate chemical suppliers require purchase orders and vendor agreements) • Use websites that include categories such as “herbal blends,” “aromas,” “bath salts,” “cannabinoids,” “cathinones,” “blotters,” “benzodiazepines” or “nootropics” • Post FAQs declaring that they will not answer questions about human use • Advertise "discreet" shipping To ensure compliance with applicable laws, acquirers are reminded to conduct initial and ongoing monitoring of their merchants. In addition, acquirers are encouraged to consult their legal advisors to ensure their merchants are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. Update to the Global Brand Protection Program Guide and Requirements (Advance Copy) Visa Global Brand Protection Program Guide for Acquirers Visa Global Acquirer Risk Standards Global Visa Acquirer Quick Reference Guide—Best Practices for Managing Card-Absent Acceptance Risk Note: For Visa Online resources, you will be prompted to log in. Email [email protected]. Third party agents should contact their issuer or acquirer. Notice: This Visa communication is furnished to you solely in your capacity as a customer of Visa Inc. (through its operating companies of Visa U.S.A Inc., Visa International Service Association, Visa Worldwide Pte. Ltd, Visa Europe Ltd., Visa International Servicios de Pago España, S.R.L.U. and Visa Canada Corporation) or its authorized agent, or as a participant in the Visa payments system. By accepting this Visa communication, you acknowledge that the information contained herein (the "Information") is confidential and subject to the confidentiality restrictions contained in the Visa Rules, which limit your use of the Information. You agree to keep the Information confidential and not to use the Information for any purpose other than in your capacity as a customer of Visa Inc. or as a participant in the Visa payments system. You may disseminate this Information to a merchant participating in the Visa payments system if: (i) you serve the role of “acquirer” within the Visa payments system; (ii) you have a direct relationship with such merchant which includes an obligation to keep Information confidential; and (iii) the Information is designated as “affects merchants” demonstrated by display of the storefront icon ( ) on the communication. A merchant receiving such Information must maintain the confidentiality of such Information and disseminate and use it on a “need to know” basis and only in their capacity as a participant in the Visa payments system. Except as otherwise provided, the Information may only be disseminated within your organization on a need-to-know basis to enable your participation in the Visa payments system. Visa is not responsible for errors in or omissions from this publication. AI06528 .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 3,4-Methylenedioxymethcathinone (Methylone) [“Bath Salt,” Bk-MDMA, MDMC, MDMCAT, “Explosion,” “Ease,” “Molly”] December 2019
    Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section 3,4-Methylenedioxymethcathinone (Methylone) [“Bath salt,” bk-MDMA, MDMC, MDMCAT, “Explosion,” “Ease,” “Molly”] December 2019 Introduction: discriminate DOM from saline. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethcathinone (methylone) is a Because of the structural and pharmacological similarities designer drug of the phenethylamine class. Methylone is a between methylone and MDMA, the psychoactive effects, adverse synthetic cathinone with substantial chemical, structural, and health risks, and signs of intoxication resulting from methylone pharmacological similarities to 3,4-methylenedioxymeth- abuse are likely to be similar to those of MDMA. Several chat amphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy). Animal studies indicate that rooms discussed pleasant and positive effects of methylone when methylone has MDMA-like and (+)-amphetamine-like used for recreational purpose. behavioral effects. When combined with mephedrone, a controlled schedule I substance, the combination is called User Population: “bubbles.” Other names are given in the above title. Methylone, like other synthetic cathinones, is a recreational drug that emerged on the United States’ illicit drug market in 2009. It is perceived as being a ‘legal’ alternative to drugs of Licit Uses: Methylone is not approved for medical use in the United abuse like MDMA, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Evidence States. indicates that youths and young adults are the primary users of synthetic cathinone substances which include methylone. However, older adults also have been identified as users of these Chemistry: substances. O H O N CH3 Illicit Distribution: CH O 3 Law enforcement has encountered methylone in the United States as well as in several countries including the Netherlands, Methylone United Kingdom, Japan, and Sweden.
    [Show full text]
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Synthetic Drugs
    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SYNTHETIC DRUGS WHAT ARE SYNTHETIC DRUGS? WHAT DOES THE PACKAGING OF SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS LOOK LIKE? A SYNTHETIC DRUG, ALSO REFERRED TO AS A Many of the products are sold in colorful packets with names DESIGNER DRUG, IS A CHEMICAL INTENDED TO that appeal to adolescents and young adults. Manufacturers IMITATE THE PROPERTIES AND EFFECTS OF A label the packages as “not for human consumption” and KNOWN HALLUCINOGEN OR NARCOTIC AND market the products as incense or potpourri to mask the MAY HAVE UNKNOWN SIDE EFFECTS OR CAUSE intended purpose and to avoid regulatory oversight of AN ADVERSE REACTION. THESE DRUGS ARE the manufacturing process. You can view examples of the packaging on page 3. CREATED IN ORDER TO EVADE RESTRICTIONS AGAINST ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES. ARE SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS ARE SYNTHETIC DRUGS LEGAL IN TEXAS? DANGEROUS? No. Under state law, it is a crime to manufacture, deliver or Synthetic cannabinoids possess a synthetic drug. are illegal, dangerous, highly addictive and WHAT ARE SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS? potentially deadly. One Synthetic cannabinoids are commonly referred to as K2, of the original chemists Kush, Spice, synthetic marijuana and fake weed. They are who designed synthetic a mix of plant matter sprayed with chemicals in sometimes cannabis for research purposes, John Huffman, Ph.D., likened dangerously high proportions, falsely marketed as “legal recreational use of synthetic drugs to playing Russian highs” and smoked like marijuana. roulette. The contents and effects of synthetic cannabinoids WHERE ARE SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS SOLD? are unpredictable due to a constantly changing variety of Synthetic cannabinoids are relatively inexpensive and sold chemicals used in manufacturing processes devoid of quality in convenience stores, smoke shops, novelty stores, on the controls and government regulatory oversight.
    [Show full text]
  • Ce4less.Com Ce4less.Com Ce4less.Com Ce4less.Com Ce4less.Com Ce4less.Com Ce4less.Com
    Hallucinogens And Dissociative Drug Use And Addiction Introduction Hallucinogens are a diverse group of drugs that cause alterations in perception, thought, or mood. This heterogeneous group has compounds with different chemical structures, different mechanisms of action, and different adverse effects. Despite their description, most hallucinogens do not consistently cause hallucinations. The drugs are more likely to cause changes in mood or in thought than actual hallucinations. Hallucinogenic substances that form naturally have been used worldwide for millennia to induce altered states for religious or spiritual purposes. While these practices still exist, the more common use of hallucinogens today involves the recreational use of synthetic hallucinogens. Hallucinogen And Dissociative Drug Toxicity Hallucinogens comprise a collection of compounds that are used to induce hallucinations or alterations of consciousness. Hallucinogens are drugs that cause alteration of visual, auditory, or tactile perceptions; they are also referred to as a class of drugs that cause alteration of thought and emotion. Hallucinogens disrupt a person’s ability to think and communicate effectively. Hallucinations are defined as false sensations that have no basis in reality: The sensory experience is not actually there. The term “hallucinogen” is slightly misleading because hallucinogens do not consistently cause hallucinations. 1 ce4less.com ce4less.com ce4less.com ce4less.com ce4less.com ce4less.com ce4less.com How hallucinogens cause alterations in a person’s sensory experience is not entirely understood. Hallucinogens work, at least in part, by disrupting communication between neurotransmitter systems throughout the body including those that regulate sleep, hunger, sexual behavior and muscle control. Patients under the influence of hallucinogens may show a wide range of unusual and often sudden, volatile behaviors with the potential to rapidly fluctuate from a relaxed, euphoric state to one of extreme agitation and aggression.
    [Show full text]
  • Controlled Drug Schedules, Violations & Penalties
    CONTROLLED DRUG SCHEDULES, VIOLATIONS & PENALTIES A REFERENCE FOR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY April 2015 Prepared by the DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION Drug Control Division TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION I CONTROLLED DRUG SCHEDULES & VIOLATIONS An alphabetical listing of controlled drugs by their brand, generic and/or street name that includes each drug’s schedule and the violation(s) from the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) that are associated with each drug’s sale and/or possession. SECTION II CONTROLLED DRUG VIOLATIONS & PENALTIES A numerical listing of controlled drug violations by their section number in the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) and the penalty(ies) associated with each violation. SECTION III SUMMARY OF FEDERAL METHAMPHETAMINE STATUTES 2 S E C T I O N I CONTROLLED DRUG SCHEDULES & VIOLATIONS The ‘Schedules of Controlled Substances’ may be found in Sections 21a-243-7 through 21a-243-11, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. www.ct.gov/dcp/lib/dcp/dcp_regulations/21a-243_designation_of_controlled_drugs.pdf 3 Drug State CS Drug Type AKA Sale or Quantity Person Drug- CGS Schedule Possession? Dependent or Not Violation APAP = Acetaminophen APAP = Acetaminophen Drug-Dependent ? ASA = Aspirin ASA = Aspirin “2C-C” Designer Drug - Stimulant “Bath Salts” Federal CS Schedule 1 “2C-D” Designer Drug - Stimulant “Bath Salts” Federal CS Schedule 1 “2C-E” Designer Drug - Stimulant “Bath Salts” Federal CS Schedule 1 “2C-H” Designer Drug - Stimulant “Bath Salts” Federal CS Schedule 1 “2C-I” Designer Drug - Stimulant
    [Show full text]
  • New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Factsheet
    New psychoactive substances (NPS): factsheet Who is this factsheet for? classified by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This This factsheet is aimed at professionals who do means they are illegal. Possession or supply can not work specifically in the drugs field, but who carry a prison sentence. As new drugs are being may encounter substance misuse as part of developed all the time, it has proved a challenge their role and who need information on current to keep up with them using this law. The UK substance misuse issues. It may also be of government responded to this by bringing in a interest to the general public. new law, the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. What are ‘new psychoactive This law, which came into effect on 26 May substances’? 2016, covers all psychoactive substances which are NOT already classified under the Misuse of ‘New psychoactive substances’ (NPS) is an Drugs Act 1971. The Psychoactive Substances umbrella term used to cover a wide range of Act 2016 says that possessing with intent to substances with a number of things in common: supply, supplying or offering to supply, producing, importing or exporting any psychoactive • they are psychoactive (they affect the user’s substance, all carry a penalty of up to seven years mental functioning or emotional state by and/or a fine, depending on the seriousness of stimulating or depressing the central nervous the offence. This means that it is against system (brain and spinal cord)); the law to supply anyone with one of these substances. • they are newly available in the UK or have seen a recent increase in popularity and public Possession of a psychoactive substance is not awareness; an offence and carries no penalty.
    [Show full text]
  • Enantioseparation and Determination of Mephedrone and Its Metabolites by Capillary Electrophoresis Using Cyclodextrins As Chiral Selectors
    molecules Article Enantioseparation and Determination of Mephedrone and Its Metabolites by Capillary Electrophoresis Using Cyclodextrins as Chiral Selectors Pavel Rezankaˇ 1,* , Denisa Macková 1, Radek Jurok 2,3, Michal Himl 3 and Martin Kuchaˇr 2 1 Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic; [email protected] 2 Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic; [email protected] (R.J.); [email protected] (M.K.) 3 Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Academic Editor: Estrella Núñez Delicado Received: 25 May 2020; Accepted: 19 June 2020; Published: 23 June 2020 Abstract: Mephedrone, a psychoactive compound derived from cathinone, is widely used as a designer drug. The determination of mephedrone and its metabolites is important for understanding its possible use in medicine. In this work, a method of capillary electrophoresis for the chiral separation of mephedrone and its metabolites was developed. Carboxymethylated β-cyclodextrin was selected as the most effective chiral selector from seven tested cyclodextrin derivates. Based on the simplex method, the optimal composition of the background electrolyte was determined: at pH 2.75 and 7.5 mmol L 1 carboxymethylated β-cyclodextrin the highest total resolution of a mixture of analytes · − was achieved. For mephedrone and its metabolites, calibration curves were constructed in a calibration range from 0.2 to 5 mmol L 1; limits of detection, limits of quantification, precision, and repeatability · − were calculated, and according to Mandel’s fitting test, the linear calibration ranges were determined.
    [Show full text]
  • The Designer Methcathinone Analogs, Mephedrone and Methylone, Are Substrates for Monoamine Transporters in Brain Tissue
    Neuropsychopharmacology (2012) 37, 1192–1203 & 2012 American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. All rights reserved 0893-133X/12 www.neuropsychopharmacology.org The Designer Methcathinone Analogs, Mephedrone and Methylone, are Substrates for Monoamine Transporters in Brain Tissue ,1 1 1 1 2 Michael H Baumann* , Mario A Ayestas Jr , John S Partilla , Jacqueline R Sink , Alexander T Shulgin , 2 3 1 4 5 Paul F Daley , Simon D Brandt , Richard B Rothman , Arnold E Ruoho and Nicholas V Cozzi 1 Translational Pharmacology Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 2 3 MD, USA; Alexander Shulgin Research Institute, Lafayette, CA, USA; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores 4 University, Liverpool, UK; Department of Neuroscience and the UW Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and 5 Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA The nonmedical use of ‘designer’ cathinone analogs, such as 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethcathi- none (methylone), is increasing worldwide, yet little information is available regarding the mechanism of action for these drugs. Here, we employed in vitro and in vivo methods to compare neurobiological effects of mephedrone and methylone with those produced by the structurally related compounds, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and methamphetamine. In vitro release assays using rat brain synaptosomes revealed that mephedrone and methylone are nonselective substrates for plasma membrane monoamine transporters, similar to MDMA in potency and selectivity. In vivo microdialysis in rat nucleus accumbens showed that i.v.
    [Show full text]
  • Drugs and New Potentially Dangerous Chemical Substances, with a Brief Review of the Problem
    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL & SCIENCE EDUCATION 2016, VOL. 11, NO. 14, 6697-6703 OPEN ACCESS Approach to Classifying “Design” Drugs and New Potentially Dangerous Chemical Substances, With a Brief Review of the Problem Azat R. Asadullina, Elena Kh. Galeevab, Elvina A. Achmetovaa and Ivan V. Nikolaevb aBashkir State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ufa, RUSSIA; bRepublican Narcological Dispensary No.1 of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Ufa, RUSSIA ABSTRACT The urgency of this study has become vivid in the light of the growing problem of prevalence and bBPHFuse Republican of new synthetic Narcological drug types. DispensaryLately there has No.1 been of a thetendency Ministry of expanding of Health the rangeof the of psychologically active substances (PAS) used by addicts with the purpose of their illegal taking. RepublicThe aim of Bashkortostan,of this research is anPushkin attempt str.,of systematizing 119/1, Ufa, and RB. classifying “design” drugs according to their chemical structure, neurochemical mechanisms of action and clinical manifestations. As a result, we have found that they can be divided into ten big groups. This classification will allow to better arrange new clinical phenomenology in modern addictology. This paper would be useful for psychiatrists, experts in narcology, as well as for personnel of institutions and agencies engaged in anti-drug activity. KEYWORDS ARTICLE HISTORY Opiates, cannabinoids, cathinones, tryptamine, Received 20 April 2016 cocaine, pregabalin, new “design” drugs, Revised 28 May 2016 classification Accepted 29 Мау 2016 Introduction Urgency of the problem Recently, the sphere of illegal turnover of narcotic substances has shown an apparent trend of producing the so-called “design drugs” (DN): new potentially dangerous psychologically active substances (NPDPAS) obtained by means of chemical synthesis, possessing a high narcotic effect and manufactured with the CORRESPONDENCE Azat R.
    [Show full text]
  • Bath Salt-Type Aminoketone Designer Drugs: Analytical and Synthetic Studies on Substituted Cathinones
    The author(s) shown below used Federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Justice and prepared the following final report: Document Title: Bath Salt-type Aminoketone Designer Drugs: Analytical and Synthetic Studies on Substituted Cathinones Author(s): Randall Clark, Ph.D. Document No.: 250125 Date Received: July 2016 Award Number: 2013-DN-BX-K022 This report has not been published by the U.S. Department of Justice. To provide better customer service, NCJRS has made this federally funded grant report available electronically. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Final Summary Overview, NIJ award 2013-DN-BX-K022 Bath Salt-type Aminoketone Designer Drugs: Analytical and Synthetic Studies on Substituted Cathinones Purpose of Project: This project has focused on issues of resolution and discriminatory capabilities in controlled substance analysis providing data to increase reliability and selectivity for forensic evidence and analytical data on new analytes of the so-called bath salt-type drugs of abuse. The overall goal of these studies is to provide an analytical framework for the identification of individual substituted cathinones to the exclusion of all other possible isomeric and homologous forms of these compounds. A number of aminoketones or beta-keto/benzylketo compounds (bk-amines) have appeared on the illicit drug market in recent years including methcathinone, mephedrone, methylone and MDPV (3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone). These substances represent a variety of aromatic ring substituent, hydrocarbon side chain and amino group modifications of the basic cathinone/methcathinone molecular skeleton.
    [Show full text]
  • Mephedrone Monograph
    SOFT Designer Drug Committee Monographs vers. 1.1 9/13/2013 Emerging Designer Drug Monograph Revision Date: July 22, 2013 Author(s): Elizabeth Schlatter, Barry K. Logan Drug Name: Mephedrone Synonyms: 4-Methylmethcathinone, 4-MeMC, 4-Methylephedrone, 4-MMC, 2-aminomethyl-1- tolyl-propan- 1-one Structure: O CH3 HN H3C CH 3 Formula: C11H15NO Molecular Weight: 177.2 Pharmacological Drug Class: CNS Stimulant that initiates catecholamine release and inhibits monoamine oxidase, increasing concentrations of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the synaptic cleft (1). Metabolism: Mephedrone is N-demethylated to a primary amine metabolite. Ketone groups are reduced to alcohols (1). Blood Concentrations: Case studies outlined by Maskell et al (2011) report plasma mephedrone concentrations of 0.15mg/L in a non-fatal intoxication. In a case involving multiple drug toxicity mephedrone blood concentration was 0.5mg/L (2,3). Adamowicz (2013) reports fatal mephedrone concentrations range of 5.5 µg/mL in the blood and 7.1 µg/mL in the vitreous humor (4). Effects and Toxicity: Mephedrone is a synthetic cathinone derivative that has stimulant effects similar to methamphetamine, ecstasy, and cocaine (3). Effects include increased alertness, tachycardia, sweating, and insomnia (5). Additionally, users describe feelings of empathy and euphoria (see www.erowid.org). Analysis: Mephedrone is a small, basic drug that chromatographs well through GC-MS. See SWGDRUG Monograph for GC-MS method and sample chromatographs. Dickson et al (2010) collected data at a mass range if 42-550, using a SIM method targeting m/z 204, 160, 119. Extractions and GC-MS method parameters are outlined (3).
    [Show full text]
  • Designer Drugs & Treatment Implications
    Designer Drugs & Treatment Implications: Will They Turn You into a Zombie? What Treatment Providers Need to Know about Synthetic Drugs Vicki Staples, MEd, CPRP ASU Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy /Pacific Southwest ATTC 10th Annual Phoenix Area Integrated Behavioral Health Training- Phoenix, AZ Curriculum Development Collaborators • Gulf Coast Addiction Technology Transfer Center –University of Texas, School of Social Work • Pacific Southwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center –UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs 2 Special Acknowledgements • Dr. Volker Auwaerter, University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany • Dr. Michael Bauman, Intramural Research Program, NIDA • Dr. Raimondo Bruno, University of Tasmania • Mathias Forrester, Texas Department of State Health Services • Dr. Paul Griffiths, EMCDDA • James Hall, Nova Southeastern University • Dr. Barry Logan, National Medical Services Labs, Inc. 3 What do you think? 4 Educational Objectives At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Identify the key characteristics and effects of synthetic drugs, most notably synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones. 2. Describe the current information available on the availability and patterns of synthetic drug use in the United States. 3. Explain strategies for communicating the dangers involved with synthetic drug use. 5 “Tales of Bath Salts and Zombie Cannibalism” • Bath Salts made headlines in summer 2012 when a story of possible cannibalism was reported in Miami, FL • The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner
    [Show full text]
  • Methoxetamine (MXE) Critical Review Report Agenda Item 5.9
    Methoxetamine (MXE) Critical Review Report Agenda item 5.9 Expert Committee on Drug Dependence Thirty-seventh Meeting Geneva, 16-20 November 2015 37th ECDD (2015) Agenda item 5.9 MXE Page 2 of 22 37th ECDD (2015) Agenda item 5.9 MXE Contents Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................................... 5 Summary ........................................................................................................................................... 6 1. Substance identification ................................................................................................................. 7 A. International Nonproprietary Name (INN) ..................................................................................... 7 B. Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Registry Number ....................................................................... 7 C. Other Names .................................................................................................................................... 7 D. Trade Names ................................................................................................................................... 7 E. Street Names .................................................................................................................................... 7 F. Physical properties .......................................................................................................................... 7 G. WHO Review History .....................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]