Methylone (bk-MDMA) is a euphoric stimulant research chemical of the beta-ketone family. It is a derivative of methcathinone and the beta-keto analogue of MDMA. Methylone first appeared on the market in the form of a "legal high" product called Explosion. Its use has been documented since 2004. Effects and duration are similar to those of MDMA.
Introduction to Methylone
Methylone, also known as "M1", 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylcathinone, and bk-MDMA is an entactogen (class of psychoactive drugs that produce distinctive emotional and social effects similar to those of MDMA(ecstasy)) and stimulant of the amphetamine, phenethylamine, and cathinone classes. Originally patented by Jacob Peyton and Alexander Shulgin as an antidepressant in 1996, Methylone is a close structural analogue of MDMA, differing only by the addition of a β-ketone group.
Using Methylone
Dosage of methylone
Oral Methylone Dosages
Threshold 60 - 120 mg
Light 100 - 150 mg
Common 100 - 250 mg
Strong 160 - 270 mg
very Strong 250 + mg
Onset : 15 - 60 minutes
Duration : 2 - 3.5 hours
Normal After Effects : 6 - 24 hours
Intranasal dosage is the same as oral dosage but is not considered as rewarding,with a much shorter duration of action
Ways of administration
Methylone can be administered through a variety of different routes, including oral, intranasal, intravenous, sublingual, and rectal administration. However oral consumption appears to be the most popular route of administration, as the effects appear to be positive and consistent, most likely due to the copious amount of 5-HT serotonin receptors which line the walls of the gastrointestinal tract.Effects of Methylone
Positive
- Stimulation
- Euphoria
- Mood lift
- Emotional bonding with others
- Increased musical appreciation
- Feelings of love and empathy
Neutral
- Pupil dilation
- Increased perspiration
Negative
Combinations with Methylone
Methylone should never be combined with any other drugs that act on the serotonin system due to the risk for serotonin syndrome to occur. Likewise combining methylone with any drug that acts as an MAOI (Monoamine oxidase inhibitor) is also dangerous and potentially fatal as serotonin syndrome may occur.
Methylone acts as a central nervous system stimulant, thus combining it with any other drug which also acts as a central nervous system stimulant may be dangerous or fatal due to overstimulation of the cardiovascular system.
Different Uses for Methylone
Currently the only documented use for methylone is as a psychoactive drug sold in stores as a legal high and on the internet in its pure crystal or powder form.
Pharmacology of Methylone
Methylone acts on the serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine receptors as both a reuptake inhibitor and a releasing agent, though it has approximately 3x lower affinity for the serotonin transporter than that of MDMA. Likewise methylone's affinity for the vescular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) is 13x lower than that of MDMA, though its affinity towards the norepinephrine and dopamine receptors remains almost identical.
Chemistry of Methylone
Column 1 Column 2 Title compound: Methylone Systematic (IUPAC) name: 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(methylamino)propan-1-one Synonyms: bk-MDMA, β-ketone-MDMA, bk-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMC, 3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone, N-methyl-MDC, 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylcathinone, N-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxycathinone, M1 Molecular Formula: C11H13NO3 Molar mass: 207.23 g/mol, 243.69 g/mol (hydrochloride) [1] CAS Registry Number: 186028-79-5, 186028-80-8 (hydrochloride) Melting Point: 248.4 °C (hydrochloride) [2] Boiling Point: Flash Point: no data Solubility: Additionnal data: Notes: hydrochloride aspect : white powder [2] Reagent test results of Methylone
The dangers of Methylone
There are several dangers that are associated with methylone which should considered prior to its consumption. First and foremost methylone is considered to be a research chemical, thus its short and longer term side effects have yet to be formally established through clinical trials. Methylone also acts as a powerful releasing agent on the serotonin system, thus certain combinations should be avoided so that serotonin syndrome does not occur.
Methylone acts as a central nervous system stimulant, meaning that users whom have a known cardiovascular disease or any other physical illnesses, should avoid its consumption so that a life threatening complication does not occur. Likewise as with any psychoactive drug, methylone should only be consumed by users whom are deemed mentally fit and stable to consume a psychoactive drug, as methylone may bring out a previously unnoticed underlying mental disorder.
Forms of Methylone
Methylone is available in several forums such as in bath salts or similar legal high packaging (often times cuts) or as a pure hydrochloride, hydrobromide, or fumaric salt.
A picture of the Explosion tubes, which were sold as "room-deodorizer" containing Methylone.
A picture of methylone in HCl form, ordered from a vendor online.
Legal status of Methylone
United Nations
USA
Methylone is currently a Schedule I controlled substance at Federal level due to the execution of an emergency order requested by the DEA. This emergency order came into effect on October 21st 2011 and can last up to 12 months. Methylone is also a controlled substance under state law in many states.
As of April 12th, 2013 the DEA issued a final ruling adding methylone to the list of Schedule I controlled substances.
DEA moves to emergency control Mephedrone, Methylone and MDPV
USA Legal Status of Mephedrone, MDPV and CathinonesEU
Germany
Methylone was added to the Anlage II as of January 2012.United Kingdom
Methylone is a class B controlled substance in the UK as it is covered by a law controlling derivatives of cathinone outlined in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Order 2010.Other Countries
Netherlands
Methylone was added to list I of the Opiumwet on January 1st 2016, classifying it as an illegal harddrug.New Zealand
Methylone is considered to be a Class C drug due to its structural similarity to methcathinone.Sweden
Methylone has been classified as a narcotic in Sweden since september 21st, 2010.Canada
Methylone is considered to be an analog of amphetamine thus treated as a scheduled substance in Canada.Denmark
As of February 8th, 2008, methylone is considered to be illegal in the country of Denmark except for scientific and medicinal uses.Estonia
As of February 2011, methylone is considered to be a schedule I substance in Estonia.Finland
Methylone is considered a hard drug in the country of Finland thus making it illegal to buy, sell, possess, or manufacture.Slovak Republic
As of March 1st, 2011 methylone is considered to be a controlled substance in the Slovak Republic.