Mephadrone.
(CLASS B DRUG as of 16th April 2010)
Meph, Plant Food, MC, MCAT, m-cat, 4-MMC, Miaow, Meow Meow, Bubbles, Bounce, Charge, Drone, White Magic,
Following the control of drugs previously known as ‘legal highs’ such as ‘Spice’ and ‘BZP,’ the current cause for concern is Mephedrone also known as ‘Plant Food’ or ‘Meph’ (not be confused with Methadone which is an opioid used by those coming off Heroin and has the opposite effect of Mephedrone). Mephedrone a derivative of Cathinone (a stimulant drug which increases the heart rate), is, with effect from the 16th April 2010 a Class B substance. That means it is no longer 'legal' to posses, sell or intend to supply the substance. Unfortunately, as with many ‘legal drugs’ the marketing of such substances is clearly aimed to exploite trading standards loopholes - you wouldn't put it on your plants. 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. 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. 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. 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.
What's the Risk?
It can cause anxiety and paranoid states and risks over-stimulating the heart and circulation causing fits. However, 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 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 Law
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:
Possession – max penalty would be 5 years in prison and or a fine
Supply or intent to supply – max penalty would be 14 years in prison and or a fine
Remember 'giving' to friends still constitutes dealing.