Mephedrone

Mephedrone, ( known as Meph / Meow Meow / MMC / Bubbles / Bounce / MCAT /
White Magic) used to be legal to buy in the UK over the internet.

Following the deaths of several teenagers who had been taking the drug, mephedrone
(and related cathinone substances) has now been classified as a Class B drug. This
means it is illegal to sell, buy or possess. Importing mephedrone into the UK has also
been banned.

What this means

If you are found by the police with mephedrone, you will be arrested and could face up to 5 years in prison or an unlimited fine. If this happens you could spend up to 24 hours at the police station in a cell and if you're under 18 your parents will be called.

Selling mephedrone or even passing a bit to your friend for free is classed as dealing and you could face up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine. This would mean a criminal record which will stop you doing a lot of things later in life.

Health Info

Likely dangers associated with mephedrone are becoming clearer as more reports emerge..

- Mephedrone can overstimulate the heart and effects on the circulation probably account for reports by users of blue or cold fingers.

- It can overstimulate the nervous system to cause fits, agitation and hallucinations.

- It can also cause anxiety and paranoid feelings.

- Severe nosebleeds have been reported after snorting.

- Other effects that have been reported include palpitations, insomnia, loss of short-term memory, vertigo, grinding of teeth, sweating and uncomfortable changes in body temperature (importantly overheating from the use of other amphetamine-type drugs has been a significant cause of deaths).

- Mephedrone has been identified as a possible contributor to a number of deaths in the UK, with a confirmed case in Sweden.

- You increase the risks to yourself if you combine alcohol with mephedrone or any substance that causes a ‘high’, including increasing the risk of death.

More Info?

If you would like to talk to someone about drugs or find more help, please check out:

FRANK - free confidential advice on drugs - all your questions answered. 24 hours a day, freephone: 0800 77 66 00 or visit www.talktofrank.com

Drug Scope - national charity offering information on the effects of different drugs and drug treatment. Visit www.drugscope.org.uk