Designer drugs: "Little is known about the toxicological and pharmacological effects of those single substances, let alone of interactions in mixtures of such substances."

Arch Kriminol. 2013 Sep-Oct;232(3-4):91-103.

["Legal highs" from the German internet--"bath salt drugs" on the rise].

[Article in German]

Musshoff F, Hottmann L, Hess C, Madea B.

Author information

• Institut für Rechtsmedizin des Universitätsklinikums Bonn.

Abstract

The appearance of dangerous and insufficiently studied designer drugs has increased substantially within the last few years. Mixtures containing centrally active compounds are often declared as "bath salt", "incense", "plant food", "bong cleaners" and are marketed in head shops and on the Internet. As the majority of the ingredients of such products are not subject to regulations of the German Narcotics Law (Betäubungsmittelgesetz, BtMG), the vendors and consumers mistake the sale of such products for legal. An alternative possibility to prosecute the distribution of so-called "legal highs" arises from the regulations of the German Medicinal Products Act (Arzneimittelgesetz, AMG). Indicating a private address, several products were purchased via the Internet. The products were analyzed by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry using computer-assisted database search and potential hits were checked for plausibility. The analysis of 100 samples revealed centrally acting compounds (including caffeine) in 98 % (75 % of all samples positive for caffeine). In 16 % of the samples, drugs subject to the BtMG at the time of purchase (end of 2011) were found including 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine, amphetamine, etilamphetamine, N-benzylpiperazine, mephedrone, methcathinone, and phenobarbital. In 55 % of the samples, drugs subject to the current BtMG were found (after its amendment on 20 July 2012). In 37 % of the samples, substances subject to the AMG were found (e.g. ephedrine). In 35 % of the samples, drugs with a potential psychotropic effect were found. In 57.3 % of the positive samples, more than one active ingredient was determined and in some cases up to five active components were found. Other interesting pharmacologically active ingredients found were 4-methylcathinone (n=13), flephedrone (n=8), trifluoromethylphenyl-piperazine (n=7), methylone (n=5), butylone (n=2), hordenine (n=2), and harmane (n=2). Most of the substances not covered by the BtMG can be classified as "unsafe" drugs. The distribution of unsafe drugs is illegal in Germany. However, the easy availability of real or potential drugs has to be seen critically. Little is known about the toxicological and pharmacological effects of those single substances, let alone of interactions in mixtures of such substances. In chat rooms, users advertise such drugs and blaze abroad their own experiences.