In October of 2004 the U.S. government put together a national synthetic drugs action plan. In that plan they stated, “The illicit production of synthetic drugs is hardly a new problem in this country,” followed by, “That uncertain future is now a disturbing reality.” So if it was a disturbing reality then, what should we call it now? The plan focused on all synthetic drugs, more specifically methamphetamine and MDMA (Ecstasy). The plan was put in place but the problem had already existed for years in both the United States and around the world, so the question remains how do we confront and solve this problem?
What is the definition of a synthetic drug?
USA - The term "Synthetic," as used in the National Drug Control Strategy (NDCS), the National Synthetic Drugs Action Plan, and the 2006 Synthetic Drug Control Strategy, refers to drugs whose origins are not primarily organic, but rather are produced via chemical synthesis. (http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/international/factsht/counter_synth_drg.html)
Europe - Artificially produced substances for the illicit market which are almost wholly manufactured from chemical compounds in illicit laboratories (amphetamine, benzodiazepines). Interpol: http://www.interpol.int/public/icpo/default.asp
Drugs of concern in the athlete population:
Bath Salts – MDPV, MDA, Mephedrone (3, 4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone, 3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine). Bath salts have no history of FDA approved medical use. Reportedly, they have four times the potency of methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta).
Street names
· Ivory wave
· Purple Wave
· Hurricane Charley
· Aura
Side effects
Substances have been reported to the Poison Control Centers by 33 states. CBS medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton reports, “It's a central nervous system stimulant, so it will increase your blood pressure, increase your heart rate, can cause anything from chest pain, heart attack, and stroke. Those are just the physical symptoms. Some psychological (symptoms include) delusions, paranoia, psychosis. They're highly addictive, very dangerous."
The Law
On the DEA list of Drugs of concern but not currently illegal in the U.S.A. Currently not banned by WADA under its doping code, or the NCAA. Illegal in Europe.
Synthetic cannabinoids - (JWH-018, JWH-073, HU-210, etc…).
Street names
· K2
· Spice
· Yucatan Fire
· Genie
Side effects
Reports have shown that synthetic cannabinoids found in K2 and Spice could have the potential to be three to five times as potent as marijuana. Users have experienced blackouts, stoppage of breathing, Heart palpitations, and hallucinations to name a few.
The Law
Schedule I controlled drug by the DEA. Currently prohibited under the WADA doping code, and other sport governing bodies. Will be included on the NCAA banned drug classes for the 2011-2012 year.
Designer phenethylamines - (Over 179 created by Alexander Shulgin*)
Street names
· 2C-E (2,5-DIMETHOXY-4-ETHYLPHENETHYLAMINE)
· 3C-E (3,5-DIMETHOXY-4-ETHOXYAMPHETAMINE)
· 2C-T-2 (2,5-DIMETHOXY-4-ETHYLTHIOPHENETHYLAMINE)
Side effects
Users have reported hallucinations similar to those who use LSD, but the intensity is reported to be higher. These drugs are both stimulants and psychedelics that report to have a slow-onset of action that has an unanticipated effect on new users; they take a certain amount and don't feel any effect, so they take more. This is the exact process that leads to harmful, if not fatal overdoses.
The Law
On the DEA list of Drugs of concern but not currently illegal in the U.S.A. Currently not banned by WADA under its doping code, or the NCAA. Illegal in Europe.
DEA Drugs and Chemicals of Concern - http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugs_concern/index.html
These three synthetic drug products are sold at various locations including, gas stations, head shops, online and convenient stores. Law enforcement officials are reporting that abuse of bath salts has become “prevalent”, and are taking the path of synthetic cannabiniods, designer phenethylamines are on the verge of becoming main stream nationally with the help of Dr. Alexander Shulgin and his large following. Similar to K-2, Spice, and "bath salts," the primary concern surrounding 2C-E is the painful lack of information. We do not have any short or long term studies to legitimize the risk in taking the drugs. We don’t know how 2 C-E will interact with other drugs, alcohol, or even medications. Unfortunately lack of knowledge in this case could can easily lead to death.
Please remember, just because something claims to be “legal” or “all natural,” doesn’t mean it is safe for you to ingest. Synthetic substances are manmade and do not occur in nature, this does not mean they are safe. They are potentially life-threatening."
* Alexander "Sasha" Shulgin, Ph.D., is a pharmacologist and chemist known for his creation of new psychoactive chemicals. Shulgin has synthesized and bioassayed (self-tested) hundreds of psychoactive chemicals, recording his work in four books and more than two hundred papers.
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