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3-Methylmethcathinone (also known as 3-MMC or metaphedrone[1]) is a novel stimulant-entactogen substance of the cathinone class. It is a structural analog of mephedrone (4-MMC) and was created as a legal designer drug after the banning of 4-MMC. The mechanism of action is not fully studied, but dopamine and serotonin and norepinephrine releasing activity is known to be involved.
WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section.
DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.
3-MMC first appeared on the online research chemical market shortly after the banning of the massively popular mephedrone. Its first emergence was recorded in Europe in 2012[2]. It is a prominent example of a contemporary designer drug specifically chosen to mimic and/or replace the functional and structural features of its recently-controlled predecessors.
However, it is described as being slightly less entactogenic and more stimulating than mephedrone, and some report more side effects. Like mephedrone and cocaine, it is associated with compulsive redosing and abuse due to its powerful, short-lived euphoric rush. It is typically administered via insufflation, although oral and injectionroutes have been observed.
Limited data exists about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of 3-MMC, and it has little history of human use.[citation needed] Preliminary evidence suggests chronic use (i.e. high dose, repeat administration) may carry neurotoxic and cardiotoxic risks.[citation needed] It is reported to produce the symptoms of serotonin depletion with overuse.
3-MMC, or 3-Methylmethcathinone, belongs to a class of synthetic organic compounds known as cathinones. Cathinones are a sub-category of amphetamines, meaning they share the core amphetamine structure of a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH2) group through an ethyl chain, and an additional methyl substitution at Rα.
Cathinones are differentiated by their ketone substitution on the beta carbon of the amphetamine skeleton, meaning they are β-keto-amphetamines. 3-MMC has two methyl substitutions on its cathinone skeleton, one at R3 of the phenyl ring, and a second at the nitrogen group RN.
It is a structural analog of mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone), meaning it is identical in structure except for the placement of the methyl group at R4 instead of R3
It is a chiral compound with a stereocenter at R2 of the propane side-chain. Two enantiomers exist: R-3-MMC and S-3-MMC. Due to the similarity with cathinone proper, the S form is thought to be more potent than the R form[citation needed].
The hydrochloride salt of 3-MMC occurs as a white crystalline powder. It has a melting point of 193.2 ± 0.2°C (hydrochloride salt) and a boiling point of 280.5 ± 23.0°C at 760 mm Hg. It is sparingly soluble in PBS; slightly soluble in ethanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, and dimethyl formamide[citation needed].
Pharmacology
Due to the lack of research regarding the substance, all discussion regarding the pharmacology of it is purely speculation based upon its structure and subjective effect similarities to other entactogens and stimulants such as mephedrone, amphetamine and 2-FMA.
3-MMC most likely acts as a serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. This means that it effectively boosts the levels of the monoamineneurotransmittersserotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain by binding to and partially blocking the transporter proteins that normally remove them from the synaptic cleft. This allows the neurotransmitters to accumulate in the brain, resulting in stimulating and euphoric effects.[citation needed]
Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWikicontributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.
It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.
Physical effects
Stimulation - 3-MMC is reported to be extremely stimulating and energetic. It can encourage physical activities like running or dancing, which makes it popular for parties and raves.
The style of stimulation can be described as "forced". This means that at higher doses, it becomes difficult or impossible to keep still as jaw clenching, involuntarily body shakes and vibrations become present.
Additionally, persistent or wave-like feelings of deep sedation and relaxation may be paradoxically present, typically at moderate to strong doses.
Spontaneous bodily sensations - The "body high" of 3-MMC can be characterized as a moderate to extreme euphoric tingling sensation that encompasses the entire body. It is capable of becoming overwhelmingly pleasurable at higher doses. This sensation maintains a consistent presence that steadily rises with the onset and hits its limit once the peak has been reached.
Physical euphoria - Physical euphoria is very prominent when used responsibly (i.e. reasonable dosing and spacing between experiences) and can lead to profound feelings of social and physical disinhibition.
Nausea - Nausea is most commonly present during the come up phase of the experience, and at higher doses, but has been reported to occur spontaneously in those who are thought to be susceptible to it.
Increased libido - This effect is typically very strong. It is reported that this effect is often more prominent than that experienced from using mephedrone.[citation needed] This effect may contribute to excessive redosing, which is a commonly reported effect for this substance.
Vibrating vision - At high doses, the user's eyeballs may begin to spontaneously wiggle back and forth in a rapid motion, causing the vision to become blurry and temporarily out of focus. This is a condition known as nystagmus.
Teeth grinding - This effect when experienced alongside euphoria can often lead to users mildly or intensely clenching their jaw muscles, sometimes even to the point where the individual’s facial expression begins to change. This is sometimes colloquially called “gurning”[4] and is typically only experienced in common to high dosages.
Shortness of breath - Due to the strong vasoconstriction 3-MMC causes, the blood flow to organs can be limited. When this happens in the lungs or in the chest muscles, the vasoconstriction can cause a blood oxygen deficiency and difficulty breathing.
Seizure - This is a rare effect but can likely happen in those predisposed to them, especially when taking heavy doses or redosing while in physically taxing conditions such as being dehydrated, undernourished, overheated or fatigued.
Cognitive effects
Anxiety suppression - The dopaminergic effects of 3-MMC likely contributes to this.
Delirium & Confusion - This effect typically only occurs with overly high doses, and is associated with temperature dysregulation and overheating, particularly when 3-MMC is taken in crowded, physically strenuous environments that leaves the user unable to cool off, rest, or rehydrate adequately.
Time compression - Strong feelings of time compression are commonly produced by 3-MMC and speed up the experience of time noticeably.
3-MMC presents an array of visual enhancements which are mild in comparison to traditional psychedelics, but still distinctly present. These generally include:
The effects which occur during the offset of a stimulant experience generally feel negative and uncomfortable in comparison to the effects which occurred during its peak. This is often referred to as a "comedown" and occurs because of neurotransmitter depletion. Its effects commonly include:
There are currently 2 experience reports describing the effects of this substance in our experience index. You can also submit your own experience report using the same link.
Exposing compounds to the reagents gives a colour change which is indicative of the compound under test.
Marquis
Mecke
Mandelin
Liebermann
Froehde
Gallic
Ehrlich
Hofmann
Simon's
Zimmermann
Yellowish
No reaction
No reaction
Orange - Yellow
Yellowish
No reaction
No reaction
No reaction
Blue
Purple ring/brown
Toxicity and harm potential
This toxicity and harm potential section is a stub.
As a result, it may contain incomplete or even dangerously wrong information! You can help by expanding upon or correcting it. Note: Always conduct independent research and use harm reduction practices if using this substance.
As with most research chemicals, the long-term effects of 3-MMC have not been researched extensively enough to provide accurate information of its risks and harm.
As with other stimulants, the chronic use of 3-MMC can be considered extremely addictive with a high potential for abuse and is capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. When addiction has developed, cravings and withdrawal effects may occur if a person suddenly stops their usage. It is said that this compound is considerably more addictive than that of mephedrone.
Tolerance to many of the effects of 3-MMC develops with prolonged and repeated use. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that, it takes about 3 - 7 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 1 - 2 weeks to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). 3-MMC presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all dopaminergicstimulants]], meaning that after the consumption of 3-MMC all stimulants will have a reduced effect.
Dangerous interactions
Warning:Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).
Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.
"[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] & "[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - 25x compounds are highly stimulating and physically straining. Combinations with 3-MMC should be strictly avoided due to the risk of excessive stimulation and heart strain. This can result in increased blood pressure, vasoconstriction, panic attacks, thought loops, seizures, and heart failure in extreme cases.
"[[UncertainInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Combining alcohol with stimulants can be dangerous due to the risk of accidental over-intoxication. Stimulants mask alcohol's depressant effects, which is what most people use to assess their degree of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the depressant effects will be left unopposed, which can result in blackouts and severe respiratory depression. If mixing, the user should strictly limit themselves to only drinking a certain amount of alcohol per hour.
"[[UnsafeInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Combinations with DXM should be avoided due to its inhibiting effects on serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. There is an increased risk of panic attacks and hypertensive crisis, or serotonin syndrome with serotonin releasers (MDMA, methylone, mephedrone, etc.). Monitor blood pressure carefully and avoid strenuous physical activity.
"[[UnsafeInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Any neurotoxic effects of MDMA are likely to be increased when other stimulants are present. There is also a risk of excessive blood pressure and heart strain (cardiotoxicity).
"[[UncertainInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Some reports suggest combinations with MXE may dangerously increase blood pressure and increase the risk of mania and psychosis.
"[[UncertainInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Both classes carry a risk of delusions, mania and psychosis, and these risk may be multiplied when combined.
"[[UnsafeInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - 3-MMC may be dangerous to combine with other stimulants like cocaine as they can increase one's heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels.
"[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Tramadol is known to lower the seizure threshold[5] and combinations with stimulants may further increase this risk.
Combinations with the following substances can cause dangerously high serotonin levels. Serotonin syndrome requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if left untreated.
Austria: 3-MMC is illegal to possess, produce and sell under the NPSG (Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Gesetz Österreich).[citation needed]
Brazil: Possession, production and sale is illegal as it is listed on Portaria SVS/MS nº 344.[7]
China: Since October 2015, 3-MMC has been banned (along with many other chemicals) in China. Due to this ban, many chemicals have become increasingly difficult to attain since the manufacturing was mainly done by Chinese chemical companies.[8]
Czech Republic: 3-MMC is banned in the Czech Republic.[9]
Germany: 3-MMC is controlled under Anlage I BtMG (Narcotics Act, Schedule I)[10] as of December 13, 2014.[11] It is illegal to manufacture, possess, import, export, buy, sell, procure or dispense it without a license.[12]
Poland: 3-MMC is classified as a “II-P category drug” as of April 25th, 2024, making it illegal. [13]
Sweden: 3-MMC is classified as a narcotic substance.[14]
Switzerland: 3-MMC can be considered a controlled substance as a defined derivative of Cathinone under Verzeichnis E point 1. It is legal when used for scientific or industrial use.[15]
Turkey: 3-MMC is a classed as drug and is illegal to possess, produce, supply, or import.[16][17]
The Netherlands: 3-MMC was classified as a Lijst 2 (softdrug) drug in October 2021, Since April 2024 the goverment classified it as a Lijst 1 on the Opiumwet, making it a harddrug.[18]
United Kingdom: 3-MMC is a Class B drug in the United Kingdom as a result of the cathinone catch-all clause.[19]
United States: 3-MMC is not formally listed but is categorized by the DEA as a Schedule I Positional Isomer. [2]
↑Talaie, H.; Panahandeh, R.; Fayaznouri, M. R.; Asadi, Z.; Abdollahi, M. (2009). "Dose-independent occurrence of seizure with tramadol". Journal of Medical Toxicology. 5 (2): 63–67. doi:10.1007/BF03161089. eISSN1937-6995. ISSN1556-9039. OCLC163567183.
. eISSN 1471-6771. ISSN 0007-0912. OCLC 01537271. PMID 16051647.