A stimulating drug taken in particular in chemsex, 3-MMC has raised many questions since the Pierre Palmade affair. What is this ? What are its effects ? Its dangers? How does it take?
We know the cocaine, the heroinethere MDMA, but a little less 3-MMC. This newer drug been talking about her since the accident from the road to Pierre Palmade which occurred on February 10, 2023. The comedian would have recognized during his police custody have taken 3-MMC, reported The Parisian. Heard by the police at the beginning of February for another case, he would have already indicated to consume 3-MMCaccording to JDD. This drug is sometimes taken during plans chemsex, the practice of having sexual intercourse under the influence of narcotics. But what is 3-MMC ? That does this name mean ? What difference with cocaine? What Side effects ? Hazards? What addiction risk? Explanations.
What is 3-MMC?
3-MMC or “3-MethylMethCathinone” is a substance synthetic psychostimulant, derived from natural cathinone that are found in the khat leaves (Catha edulis), A african shrub. Since 2012, all molecules derived from cathinone are classified on the list of narcotics in France. There are more than fifty the best known of which are -besides the 3MMC- 3-CMC, 4-MEC, MDPV, and alpha-PVP. Cathinone is chemically similar to amphetamine and ephedrine.
What does 3-MMC look like?
In its pure form, 3-MMC hasappearance of a fine white powder or of small white crystals. It can be sold in the form of powder (the most common), tablets or capsules. More rarely, in the form liquid or of blotters.
What are the effects of 3-MMC?
3-MMC is a drug that stimulates the central nervous system (brain), like amphetamines or cocaïborn.
- It increases empathy.
- It increases euphoria, energy and reduces the feeling of fatigue.
- It increases the feeling of being closer to others.
- It increases endurance, self-confidence and provides a feeling of power.
- It improves sexual desire and performance.
How long do the effects of 3-MMC last?
- Nasally or by injection : about 2 hours.
- By mouth: between 4 and 6 hours approximately.
3-MMC can be ingested (oral), snorted (nasal route), injected (by syringe directly into the blood) or inserted anally.
3-MMC and chemsex
“Cathinones are among the most used products for chemsex” recalls the Drugs Info Service site. Chemsex refers to the consumption of psychoactive products (mainly stimulants) during sexual relations. 3-MMC can be ingested, snorted or injected (this is called a “slam”). By taking this drug, participants seek to increase sexual arousal and stamina.
What are the side effects and dangers of 3-MMC?
Sweating, palpitations, nausea, dizziness, memory loss…”There toxicity of the cathinones like 3-MMC is essentially cardiac, psychiatric and neurological” details the Réso-Infectio PACA Est association in a document published in 2021 on chemsex. These drugs can cause:
- cardiovascular problems (tachycardia, chest pain, high blood pressure)
- neurological disorders (headaches, hot flashesbruxism, convulsions, tremors…)
- digestive disorders (abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of appetite)
The main psychiatric consequences of cathinone consumption are:
- onset anxiety,
- ofpanic attack prolonged,
- acute delusional state,
- hallucinations,
- of paranoia,
- insomnia,
- of depression,
- suicidal thoughts
- cognitive disorders
In excess (overdose):
- Severe hyperthermia (raised body temperature)
- Rhabdomyolysis (destruction of muscle cells)
- Hyponatremia (lack of sodium), acidosis
- Shock, cardiorespiratory collapse
- Heart attack
- cerebral edema
- Multi-organ failure and death
Synthetic cathinones cause a very strong craving, that is to say that the desire to take it again is very strongaccentuating their addiction.
What is the price of 3-MMC?
About 20 euros per gram on the Internet, resold 25 euros. It’s a drug cheaper than cocaine, MDMA/ecstasy or methamphetamine.
Sources
New synthetic products, New psychoactive substancesDrugs.gouv.fr, July 2022
Statement from the EU Drugs Agency in LisbonEuropean Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction, February 2022
Drug Info Service
Chemsex, Slam. Renewal of drug use in sexual contexts among MSMMaitena Milhet, Thomas Néfau, OFDT, July 2017.