Street Names of Ecstasy-Country Specific

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Street Names of Ecstasy-Country Specific STREET NAMES OF ECSTASY-COUNTRY SPECIFIC Crystalline Methamphetamine MDMA Precursors used Methamphetamine Tablets Australia Ice, crystal meth, Meth, meth tabs Ecstasy, E, Ephedrine/Pseudo- crystal, shabu pingers ephedrine/ ephedra/Phenyl Acetic Acid Cambodia Ice, ya ba chakk, ya ya ba, ya ma, ma thnam krovee --do-- ma kbai (shake- chakk, ma chakk head drug); (chakk = injectable); some young also ya ba, ya ma, ma people say “ecstasy” China bingdu (ice) bingdu pian, ma yao tou ubin --do-- ku (head-shaking pill) Indonesia shabu XTC --do-- Lao PDR ya ba, ya ma ya-E --do-- Japan shabu, “S”, ice, speed; “X”, ecstasy --do-- anpon (particular to Kyushu region); philopoon (liquid methamphetamine) Malaysia Crystal, syabu, ice Meth Ecstasy --do-- Myanmar ya ma, seik kwya Seik kwya say --do-- say, myin say (head-shaking pill) New Zealand "P", crystal, ice Meth tabs Ecstasy --do-- Philippines shabu, bato, sha, XTC, love drug --do-- siopao Thailand ice ya ba ya-E, ya-Love --do-- Viet Nam shaking pill --do-- OTHER STREET NAMES Adam Ecstasy, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Batmans Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) B-Bombs Amphetamines; MDMA A capsule containing drugs; MDMA Bean (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) Bens Amphetamine; MDMA Bibs MDMA Blue Kisses, Blue Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Lips Bumping up MDMA combined with powder cocaine Candyflipping The combined use of ecstasy and LSD Caps Heroin; psilocybin/psilocin; crack Charity Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Chalk MDMA Chemical Ice MDMA Cloud nine Crack cocaine; MDMA Club Drug MDMA Crank Methamphetamine; crack cocaine, heroin, methcathinone Crystal meth Methamphetamine Crystal Methadrine MDMA Dead road MDMA Debs Amphetamine, MDMA Decadence MDMA Designer Drug MDMA Dex Amphetamine; MDMA Dexedrine Amphetamine, MDMA Diamonds Amphetamine, MDMA Disco Biscuits MDMA Doctor MDMA Dolls Amphetamines; depressant; MDMA Domex PCP and MDMA Drivers Amphetamine; MDMA E Ecstasy, MDMA E-bombs MDMA Ecstasy MDMA E-puddle Sleeping due to MDMA use/exhaustion E-tard Person under the influence of MDMA Egyptians MDMA Elephant flipping Use of PCP and MDMA Essence MDMA Eve MDMA Exiticity MDMA Fastin Amphetamine; MDMA Four leaf clover MDMA Glass MDMA Go Amphetamine; MDMA Greenies Amphetamine; MDMA GWM Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA H - bomb Ecstasy (MDMA) mixed with heroin. Hammerheading MDMA used in combination with Viagra Happy drug, Happy MDMA pill Herbal bliss MDMA Herbal ecstasy Ma huang, ephedra Hippieflip Use of mushrooms and MDMA Hugs and Kisses Combination of methamphetamine and MDMA Hydroamphetamine High quality methamphetamine; hydroponic marijuana Hype Heroin addict; an addict; MDMA Ice Methamphetamine Crack cocaine; smokable methamphetamine; Ice Cocaine methamphetamine; MDMA; PCP Jellies Depressants; MDMA in gel caps Khat Amphetamine; methcathinone; MDMA Kitty flipping Use of ketamine and MDMA Kleenex MDMA Letter biscuits MDMA Love flipping Use of mescaline and MDMA Love Drug MDMA Lovers' special MDMA Love Trip Mescaline and MDMA Mini Beans Amphetamine, MDMA Moonstone When a dealer shaves a slice of MDMA into a bag of heroin Morning Shot Amphetamine; MDMA Nexus flipping Use of Nexus (2-CB) and MDMA NEW Yorkers MDMA Nineteen Amphetamine; MDMA Peeper(s) MDMA user(s) Pikachu Pills containing PCP and Ecstasy Party drug MDMA Pollutants Amphetamines; MDMA Rave energy MDMA Rolls MDMA Rib MDMA; rohypnol Ritual spirit MDMA Roca (Spanish) Crack cocaine; MDMA Running MDMA Scooby Snacks MDMA Sextasy Ecstasy used with Viagra Shabu Ice; crack cocaine; methamphetamine Snackies MDMA adulterated with mescaline Speedies MDMA adulterated with amphetamine Speed for Lovers MDMA Spivias Amphetamine, MDMA Taking steroids without a prescription; use of three or more Stacking MDMA tablets in combination Stacks MDMA adulterated with heroin or crack Stacy MDMA Strawberry Amphetamine; MDMA Shortcake Sweeties Amphetamine; MDMA Combination of methamphetamine and Super X methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Tachas Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Tens Amphetamine; MDMA The C Amphetamine; methcathinone TIna MDMA Tutus Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Tweety Birds Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Ultimate Xphoria Methylenedioxymethamphetamine USP MDMA; amphetamiine Wafers Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) White Doves MDMA Methamphetamine; PCP; a mixture of marijuana and other Water Blunts substances within a cigar: GHB West Coast MDMA; amphetamine Turnarounds Wheels MDMA Whiffledust MDMA; amphetamine X Marijuana MDMA; amphetamine X-ing MDMA X-Pills Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) XTC Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) PRECURSORS USED: EPHEDRINE/ PSEUDO EPHEDRINE/ EPHEDRA/PHENYL ACETIC ACID .
Recommended publications
  • House Bill No. 2191
    SECOND REGULAR SESSION HOUSE BILL NO. 2191 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE QUADE. 5582H.01I D. ADAM CRUMBLISS, Chief Clerk AN ACT To repeal section 579.060, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to controlled substances, with penalty provisions. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows: Section A. Section 579.060, RSMo, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu 2 thereof, to be known as section 579.060, to read as follows: 579.060. 1. A person commits the offense of unlawful sale, distribution, or purchase of 2 over-the-counter methamphetamine precursor drugs if he or she knowingly: 3 (1) Sells, distributes, dispenses, or otherwise provides any number of packages of any 4 drug product containing detectable amounts of ephedrine, levomethamphetamine, 5 phenylpropanolamine, propylhexedrine, or pseudoephedrine, or any of their salts, optical 6 isomers, or salts of optical isomers, in a total amount greater than nine grams to the same 7 individual within a thirty-day period, unless the amount is dispensed, sold, or distributed 8 pursuant to a valid prescription; or 9 (2) Purchases, receives, or otherwise acquires within a thirty-day period any number of 10 packages of any drug product containing any detectable amount of ephedrine, 11 levomethamphetamine, phenylpropanolamine, propylhexedrine, or pseudoephedrine, or any 12 of their salts or optical isomers, or salts of optical isomers in a total amount greater than nine 13 grams, without regard to the number of transactions, unless the amount is purchased, received, 14 or acquired pursuant to a valid prescription; or 15 (3) Purchases, receives, or otherwise acquires within a twenty-four-hour period any 16 number of packages of any drug product containing any detectable amount of ephedrine, 17 levomethamphetamine, phenylpropanolamine, propylhexedrine, or pseudoephedrine, or any EXPLANATION — Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in the above bill is not enacted and is intended to be omitted from the law.
    [Show full text]
  • FSI-D-16-00226R1 Title
    Elsevier Editorial System(tm) for Forensic Science International Manuscript Draft Manuscript Number: FSI-D-16-00226R1 Title: An overview of Emerging and New Psychoactive Substances in the United Kingdom Article Type: Review Article Keywords: New Psychoactive Substances Psychostimulants Lefetamine Hallucinogens LSD Derivatives Benzodiazepines Corresponding Author: Prof. Simon Gibbons, Corresponding Author's Institution: UCL School of Pharmacy First Author: Simon Gibbons Order of Authors: Simon Gibbons; Shruti Beharry Abstract: The purpose of this review is to identify emerging or new psychoactive substances (NPS) by undertaking an online survey of the UK NPS market and to gather any data from online drug fora and published literature. Drugs from four main classes of NPS were identified: psychostimulants, dissociative anaesthetics, hallucinogens (phenylalkylamine-based and lysergamide-based materials) and finally benzodiazepines. For inclusion in the review the 'user reviews' on drugs fora were selected based on whether or not the particular NPS of interest was used alone or in combination. NPS that were use alone were considered. Each of the classes contained drugs that are modelled on existing illegal materials and are now covered by the UK New Psychoactive Substances Bill in 2016. Suggested Reviewers: Title Page (with authors and addresses) An overview of Emerging and New Psychoactive Substances in the United Kingdom Shruti Beharry and Simon Gibbons1 Research Department of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry UCL School of Pharmacy
    [Show full text]
  • American Civil Liberties Union
    WASHINGTON LEGISLATIVE OFFICE March 19, 2012 Honorable Patti B. Saris, Chair United States Sentencing Commission One Columbus Circle, N.E. Suite 2-500, South Lobby Washington, D.C. 2002-8002 Re: ACLU Comments on Proposed Amendments to Sentencing Guidelines, Policy Statements, and Commentary due on March 19, 2012 AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION WASHINGTON Dear Judge Saris: LEGISLATIVE OFFICE 915 15th STREET, NW, 6 TH FL WASHINGTON, DC 20005 With this letter the American Civil Liberties Union (“ACLU”) provides T/202.544.1681 commentary on the Amendments to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines F/202.546.0738 WWW.ACLU.ORG (“Guidelines”) proposed by the Commission on January 19, 2012. The American Civil Liberties Union is a non-partisan organization with more than LAURA W. MURPHY DIRECTOR half a million members, countless additional activists and supporters, and 53 NATIONAL OFFICE affiliates nationwide dedicated to the principles of liberty, equality, and justice 125 BROAD STREET, 18 TH FL. embodied in our Constitution and our civil rights laws. NEW YORK, NY 10004-2400 T/212.549.2500 These comments address four issues that the Commission has asked for OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS SUSAN N. HERMAN public comment on by March 19, 2012. First, the ACLU encourages the PRESIDENT Commission to reject the adoption of the 500:1 MDMA marijuana equivalency ANTHONY D. ROMERO ratio for N-Benzylpiperazine, also known as BZP, (BZP) and make substantial EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR downward revisions to the MDMA marijuana equivalency ratio. Also, we urge ROBERT REMAR the Commission to respect the principles of proportionality and due process in TREASURER deciding how and whether to amend the Guideline for unlawfully entering or remaining in the country.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecstasy Or Molly (MDMA) (Canadian Drug Summary)
    www.ccsa.ca • www.ccdus.ca November 2017 Canadian Drug Summary Ecstasy or Molly (MDMA) Key Points Ecstasy and molly are street names for pills or tablets that are assumed to contain the active ingredient 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine (MDMA). Although most people consuming ecstasy or molly expect the main psychoactive ingredient to be MDMA, pills, capsules and powder sold as ecstasy or molly frequently contain other ingredients (such as synthetic cathinones or other adulterants) in addition to MDMA and sometimes contain no MDMA at all. The prevalence of Canadians aged 15 and older reporting past-year ecstasy use is less than 1%. 1 in 25 Canadian youth in grades 10–12 have reported using ecstasy in the past 12 months. Introduction Ecstasy and molly are street names for pills, capsules or powder assumed to contain MDMA (3,4- methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine), a synthetically derived chemical that is used recreationally as a party drug. Pills are typically coloured and stamped with a logo. These drugs are made in illegal laboratories, often with a number of different chemicals, so they might not contain MDMA or contain MDMA in amounts that vary significantly from batch to batch. Other active ingredients found in tablets sold as ecstasy or molly in Canada in 2016–2017 include synthetic cathinones or “bath salts” such as ethylone, methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and its precursor methylenedioxyphenylpropionamide (MMDPPA). Other adulterants reported were caffeine, procaine, methylsulfonylmethane (MSA)and methamphetamine.1 In 2011–2012, paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) was present in pills sold as ecstasy in Canada. This adulteration resulted in the deaths of 27 individuals in Alberta and British Columbia over an 11-month period.2 Effects of Ecstasy Use The effects of ecstasy are directly linked to the active ingredients in the pill.
    [Show full text]
  • Methylphenidate Amplifies the Potency and Reinforcing Effects Of
    ARTICLE Received 1 Aug 2013 | Accepted 7 Oct 2013 | Published 5 Nov 2013 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3720 Methylphenidate amplifies the potency and reinforcing effects of amphetamines by increasing dopamine transporter expression Erin S. Calipari1, Mark J. Ferris1, Ali Salahpour2, Marc G. Caron3 & Sara R. Jones1 Methylphenidate (MPH) is commonly diverted for recreational use, but the neurobiological consequences of exposure to MPH at high, abused doses are not well defined. Here we show that MPH self-administration in rats increases dopamine transporter (DAT) levels and enhances the potency of MPH and amphetamine on dopamine responses and drug-seeking behaviours, without altering cocaine effects. Genetic overexpression of the DAT in mice mimics these effects, confirming that MPH self-administration-induced increases in DAT levels are sufficient to induce the changes. Further, this work outlines a basic mechanism by which increases in DAT levels, regardless of how they occur, are capable of increasing the rewarding and reinforcing effects of select psychostimulant drugs, and suggests that indivi- duals with elevated DAT levels, such as ADHD sufferers, may be more susceptible to the addictive effects of amphetamine-like drugs. 1 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA. 2 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S1A8. 3 Department of Cell Biology, Medicine and Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to S.R.J. (email: [email protected]). NATURE COMMUNICATIONS | 4:2720 | DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3720 | www.nature.com/naturecommunications 1 & 2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited.
    [Show full text]
  • Pharmacokinetics of Mephedrone Enantiomers in Whole Blood After a Controlled Intranasal Administration to Healthy Human Volunteers
    pharmaceuticals Article Pharmacokinetics of Mephedrone Enantiomers in Whole Blood after a Controlled Intranasal Administration to Healthy Human Volunteers Joanna Czerwinska 1, Mark C. Parkin 1,2, Agostino Cilibrizzi 3 , Claire George 4, Andrew T. Kicman 1, Paul I. Dargan 5,6 and Vincenzo Abbate 1,* 1 King’s Forensics, Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK; [email protected] (J.C.); MarkParkin@eurofins.co.uk (M.C.P.); [email protected] (A.T.K.) 2 Toxicology Department, Eurofins Forensic Services, Teddington TW11 0LY, UK 3 Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK; [email protected] 4 Alere Toxicology (Now Part of Abbott), Abingdon OX14 1DY, UK; [email protected] 5 Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK; [email protected] 6 Clinical Toxicology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s Health Partners, London SE1 7EH, UK * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Mephedrone, which is one of the most popular synthetic cathinones, has one chiral centre and thus exists as two enantiomers: R-(+)-mephedrone and S-(−)-mephedrone. There are some preliminary data suggesting that the enantiomers of mephedrone may display enantioselective phar- macokinetics and exhibit different neurological effects. In this study, enantiomers of mephedrone were resolved via chromatographic chiral recognition and the absolute configuration was unambigu- ously determined by a combination of elution order and chiroptical analysis (i.e., circular dichroism). A chiral liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was fully validated and was Citation: Czerwinska, J.; Parkin, M.C.; applied to the analysis of whole blood samples collected from a controlled intranasal administra- Cilibrizzi, A.; George, C.; Kicman, A.T.; tion of racemic mephedrone hydrochloride to healthy male volunteers.
    [Show full text]
  • 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]
  • (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub
    US 20130289061A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2013/0289061 A1 Bhide et al. (43) Pub. Date: Oct. 31, 2013 (54) METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS TO Publication Classi?cation PREVENT ADDICTION (51) Int. Cl. (71) Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation, A61K 31/485 (2006-01) Boston’ MA (Us) A61K 31/4458 (2006.01) (52) U.S. Cl. (72) Inventors: Pradeep G. Bhide; Peabody, MA (US); CPC """"" " A61K31/485 (201301); ‘4161223011? Jmm‘“ Zhu’ Ansm’ MA. (Us); USPC ......... .. 514/282; 514/317; 514/654; 514/618; Thomas J. Spencer; Carhsle; MA (US); 514/279 Joseph Biederman; Brookline; MA (Us) (57) ABSTRACT Disclosed herein is a method of reducing or preventing the development of aversion to a CNS stimulant in a subject (21) App1_ NO_; 13/924,815 comprising; administering a therapeutic amount of the neu rological stimulant and administering an antagonist of the kappa opioid receptor; to thereby reduce or prevent the devel - . opment of aversion to the CNS stimulant in the subject. Also (22) Flled' Jun‘ 24’ 2013 disclosed is a method of reducing or preventing the develop ment of addiction to a CNS stimulant in a subj ect; comprising; _ _ administering the CNS stimulant and administering a mu Related U‘s‘ Apphcatlon Data opioid receptor antagonist to thereby reduce or prevent the (63) Continuation of application NO 13/389,959, ?led on development of addiction to the CNS stimulant in the subject. Apt 27’ 2012’ ?led as application NO_ PCT/US2010/ Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising 045486 on Aug' 13 2010' a central nervous system stimulant and an opioid receptor ’ antagonist.
    [Show full text]
  • 1. CAMBODIA 1.1 General Situation 1.1.1 Drug Use There Are No
    COUNCIL OF Brussels, 15 April 2014 THE EUROPEAN UNION (OR. en) 8990/14 CORDROGUE 26 ASIE 22 NOTE From: Japanese Regional Chair of the Dublin Group To: Dublin Group No. prev. doc.: 14715/13 Subject: Regional Report on South East Asia and China 1. CAMBODIA 1.1 General situation 1.1.1 Drug use There are no consistent statistics as to the exact number of people who use drugs in Cambodia. However the general consensus among the Royal Government of Cambodia and international agencies is that there are currently between 12,000 and 28,000 people who use drugs. Methamphetamine pills are the most widely used drug in Cambodia, although crystalline methamphetamine is becoming more widely available, with use on the rise, particularly in Phnom Penh and among unemployed youth. Whereas illicit drug use was previously concentrated primarily in urban settings, in recent years it has been expanding into rural areas, in particular in the provinces adjacent to Lao PDR and Thailand (INCSR Cambodia 2012). Drug use among women and within prisons appears to be on the rise (UNODC 2013). 8990/14 JV/fm 1 DG D 2C EN Table 1. Rank of primary drugs of concern in Cambodia, 2008-2012 Drug type 2008 2009 2010** 2011*** 2012**** Methamphetamine pills ● 2* 1 2 2 Crystalline methamphetamine ● 1* 2 1 1 Ecstasy ● ● ● 6 ● Cannabis ● ● 4 4 4 Heroin ● ● 3 5 ● Inhalants ● ● ● 3 3 Opium ● ● ● ● ● ● = Not reported Source(s): *NACD 2010a. **2010 rankings based on DAINAP data and Cambodia country reports. ***NACD 2012b. ****2012 rankings are based on data provided by the National Authority for Combating Drugs.
    [Show full text]
  • From Sacred Plants to Psychotherapy
    From Sacred Plants to Psychotherapy: The History and Re-Emergence of Psychedelics in Medicine By Dr. Ben Sessa ‘The rejection of any source of evidence is always treason to that ultimate rationalism which urges forward science and philosophy alike’ - Alfred North Whitehead Introduction: What exactly is it that fascinates people about the psychedelic drugs? And how can we best define them? 1. Most psychiatrists will define psychedelics as those drugs that cause an acute confusional state. They bring about profound alterations in consciousness and may induce perceptual distortions as part of an organic psychosis. 2. Another definition for these substances may come from the cross-cultural dimension. In this context psychedelic drugs may be recognised as ceremonial religious tools, used by some non-Western cultures in order to communicate with the spiritual world. 3. For many lay people the psychedelic drugs are little more than illegal and dangerous drugs of abuse – addictive compounds, not to be distinguished from cocaine and heroin, which are only understood to be destructive - the cause of an individual, if not society’s, destruction. 4. But two final definitions for psychedelic drugs – and those that I would like the reader to have considered by the end of this article – is that the class of drugs defined as psychedelic, can be: a) Useful and safe medical treatments. Tools that as adjuncts to psychotherapy can be used to alleviate the symptoms and course of many mental illnesses, and 1 b) Vital research tools with which to better our understanding of the brain and the nature of consciousness. Classifying psychedelic drugs: 1,2 The drugs that are often described as the ‘classical’ psychedelics include LSD-25 (Lysergic Diethylamide), Mescaline (3,4,5- trimethoxyphenylathylamine), Psilocybin (4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) and DMT (dimethyltryptamine).
    [Show full text]
  • Methamphetamine (Canadian Drug Summary)
    www.ccsa.ca • www.ccdus.ca March 2020 Canadian Drug Summary Methamphetamine Key Points • The prevalence of methamphetamine use in the Canadian population is low (~0.2%). • Several jurisdictions report at least a three-fold increase in the use of methamphetamine over the past five years among individuals accessing treatment or harm reduction services. • Notable increases for rates of criminal violations involving methamphetamine have been observed in the last five years (2013–2018). Introduction Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug classified as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant or psychostimulant. CNS stimulants cover a wide range of substances that act on the body by increasing the level of activity of the CNS and include caffeine, nicotine, amphetamine (e.g., Adderall®), methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin®), MDMA (“ecstasy”), cocaine (including crack cocaine) and methamphetamine (including crystal meth).1,2 While both methamphetamine and amphetamine are psychostimulants and often grouped together, they are different drugs. A slight chemical modification of amphetamine produces methamphetamine, which has a different pharmacological profile that results in a larger release of certain neurochemicals in the brain and a stronger and more rapid physiological response. Some amphetamines are prescribed in Canada for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (e.g., Adderall and Vyvanse®), but methamphetamine use is currently illegal. Methamphetamine is often made in illegal, clandestine laboratories with commonly available, inexpensive chemicals, such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, found in medications, among other sources. The use of these medications as precursor chemicals for methamphetamine led to stricter regulations introduced in Canada in 2006, limiting access to them by requiring they be kept behind the counter of pharmacies.3 Illegal production can be dangerous due to the toxicity of the chemicals used and the high risk of explosions.
    [Show full text]
  • Synthetic Drugs: Overview and Issues for Congress
    Synthetic Drugs: Overview and Issues for Congress Lisa N. Sacco Analyst in Illicit Drugs and Crime Policy Kristin Finklea Specialist in Domestic Security May 3, 2016 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R42066 Synthetic Drugs: Overview and Issues for Congress Summary Synthetic drugs, as opposed to natural drugs, are chemically produced in a laboratory. Their chemical structure can be either identical to or different from naturally occurring drugs, and their effects are designed to mimic or even enhance those of natural drugs. When produced clandestinely, they are not typically controlled pharmaceutical substances intended for legitimate medical use. Designer drugs are a form of synthetic drugs. They contain slightly modified molecular structures of illegal or controlled substances, and they are modified in order to circumvent existing drug laws. While the issue of synthetic drugs and their abuse is not new, Congress has demonstrated a renewed concern with the issue. From 2009 to 2011, synthetic drug abuse was reported to have dramatically increased. During this time period, calls to poison control centers for incidents relating to harmful effects of synthetic cannabinoids (such as “K2” and “Spice”) and stimulants (such as “bath salts”) increased at what some considered to be an alarming rate. The number of hospital emergency department visits involving synthetic cannabinoids more than doubled from 2010 to 2011. In 2012 and 2013, however, the number of calls to poison control centers for incidents relating to harmful effects of synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic stimulants decreased. Calls regarding bath salts have declined each year since 2011, while calls regarding synthetic cannabinoids have increased since the drops in 2012 and 2013.
    [Show full text]