3-MeO-PCP Gains Popularity Amidst Legal and Market Gaps in Psychoactive Substances
3-MeO-PCP is gaining popularity as a novel psychoactive substance, filling the gap left by regulated drugs like ketamine, despite unknown long-term effects
Key Points
- 13-MeO-PCP is a novel psychoactive substance gaining popularity
- 2It acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist with stimulating effects
- 3The substance exists in a legal gray area with limited regulation
- 43-MeO-PCP's rise is linked to ketamine supply issues
- 5Its future is uncertain as regulatory scrutiny may increase
The world of psychoactive substances is evolving, with new entrants like 3-MeO-PCP gaining traction. Known as novel psychoactive substances (NPS), these drugs, including 3-MeO-PCP, metoxetamina, and metilona, are not yet widely recognized by the public. However, they are becoming increasingly popular, especially during periods when more traditional drugs are scarce
3-MeO-PCP, a dissociative anesthetic, was first synthesized in 1979 but remained obscure until 1999. It acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist and also influences serotonin levels, giving it a stimulating edge over similar substances. Its effects were first described by an anonymous chemist in 1999, highlighting its unique properties compared to its more well-known relative, ketamine
In recent years, the scarcity of traditional substances like ketamine has led users to explore alternatives like 3-MeO-PCP. The compound is more potent than ketamine, with effects lasting between five to seven hours. Users report experiences of increased energy, euphoria, and altered reality perceptions at low doses, while higher doses can lead to vivid hallucinations and out-of-body sensations
Despite its growing use, 3-MeO-PCP exists in a legal gray area. It is not widely regulated, except in countries like the UK and Belgium. This lack of regulation has resulted in a 'gray market' where these substances are available online, contributing to their increasing popularity. However, the long-term effects and potential risks remain largely unknown, making users de facto test subjects
The history of 3-MeO-PCP's rise is intertwined with the fluctuating availability of ketamine. In 2014, changes in ketamine's legal status in India affected its global supply, leading to a temporary surge in the use of alternatives like metoxetamina. As these substances were eventually regulated, the demand for 3-MeO-PCP began to rise, filling the gap left by its predecessors
Looking ahead, the future of 3-MeO-PCP remains uncertain. As its popularity increases, so does the likelihood of regulatory scrutiny. The cycle of NPS popularity suggests that as soon as one substance is regulated, another emerges to take its place. Until then, 3-MeO-PCP continues to be a sought-after alternative for those seeking novel experiences within the bounds of legality