|
Following the
control of drugs previously known as ‘legal highs’ such as
‘Spice’ and ‘BZP,’ the a current cause for concern is Mephedrone also
known as ‘Plant Food’ or ‘Meph’. (Its pronunciation should not be
confused with Methadone which is an opioid used by those coming off
Heroin and has the opposite effect of
Mephedrone). A derivative of Cathinone (a stimulant drug which
increases the heart rate), it is, with effect from the 16th April 2010
a Class B substance - which includes the Isle of Man. That means it is
no longer 'legal' to posses, sell or intend to supply the substance.
What is it?
Mephedrone and its similar drug Methylone is a
powder or tablet which can be snorted, swallowed, or in some rare
instances reports of its injection and is said to have
similar effects to MDMA (Ecstasy)
and Cocaine
or
Methamphetamine.
The marketing of the drug as
'Plant Food' unfortunately,
as with many ‘legal drugs’ the marketing of such substances is clearly
aimed to exploit trading standards loopholes - you wouldn't put it on
your plants. According to the
EMCDDA 'there are no known uses of Mephedrone as a component in
industrial, cosmetic or agricultural products. Other drugs are also sold as 'plant food' or 'Bath Salts'
to avoid prosecution so beware not all plant food is Mephedrone.
The danger has been the perception that legal
means safe – which is not the case, some legal drugs are as - if not
more dangerous - than illegal ones and also have the potential for
psychological addiction.
USE & EFFECTS
Users report that effects are
generally felt between 15-45 minutes after swallowing or a few minutes
after snorting. Effects tend to last 2-3 hours and users may then
continue to use to prolong the effects.
Each drug effect will always
depend on the individual such as their physical and mental health,
their body size, and the environment the drug is taken in and the
chemical interactions within the body. Add in other drugs including
alcohol and outcomes become even more unpredictable, and sadly for
some, permanent in terms of mental health problems or fatalities. Just
because it is available online or in a shop does not remove its
potential to cause harm.
However, based on it's chemical
structure it's stimulant effects on the body are likely to be similar
to cocaine and ecstasy i.e. euphoria, elevated mood, dilated pupils,
tachycardia, hypertension, agitation.
Further reported effects include
grinding teeth (bruxism), chest pain, nausea, palpitations, headaches,
sweating and paranoia. Snorting Mephedrone can lead to significant
nasal irritation and in some instances bleeding nose.
What's
the Risk?
There is no research into the
toxicity or long term health effects of Mephedrone or Methylone - it
wasn’t made for human consumption so a lot of what is known relies on
reports from those who use it (and the consequences) and those
presenting at drug services or A&E.
What about long-term use?
Nobody can give you that answer.
If we base the likelihood assuming on the similarities of
stimulant/hallucinogens then prolonged use is likely to mess with your
head.
All stimulants have the power to cause psychological dependency.
People report strong craving for Mephedrone and has a high abuse
potential,
so if your use is getting more frequent and larger amounts being used
it's time to stop.
Bearing in mind it's not for human consumption (as
is bleach of course) NO ONE CAN
TELL YOU the long-term effects on your health. It is still unknown
whether is is toxic to unborn babies, how it affects genetics or how
carcinogenic (cancer causing) it is.
The Law
Currently legal in the Isle of Man :
Class B Drug as of
Friday 16th April 2010 which means it is illegal to supply, possess or
intend to supply the substance known as Mephedrone. Penalties mean
you could face up to 5 years in prison and or a fine for possession
and 14 years in prison and or a fine for supply or intent to supply.
Remember 'giving' to
friends still constitutes dealing.
Controlled under the
Medicines Act
Current UK Law
Class B Drug s of Friday
16th April 2010 - Penalties as above
IOM NEWS LINKS
|
