Research Chemicals
Research chemicals (RCs) are chemical compounds about whose effects and toxicology little is known and which have hardly or not yet been sufficiently researched. Many of these substances are sold via online shops, which gives the impression of a legal and safe alternative to conventional psychoactive substances. However, the risks of consumption are difficult or impossible to assess.
Most research chemicals in Austria fall under the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NPSG). Specifically, the production, import, export, transfer and procurement (transfer) of most research chemicals in order to derive an advantage is prohibited.
The risks associated with the use of research chemicals may be many times higher than those associated with the use of other psychoactive substances that have been known for longer and for which more information is therefore available to better assess the risk. Exact mechanisms of action, toxicity, possible long-term effects, possible lethal doses and the consequences of overdoses of most research chemicals are unknown: The current state of knowledge, e.g. on effects, dosage and risk reduction, is limited almost exclusively to user reports.
Even though some research chemicals are legally available online, they are by no means a 'safe' alternative to controlled substances!
What you should bear in mind if you decide to consume RCs despite the unknown risk:
Get as much information as possible!
Try to gather all the information you can (books, magazines, internet, user reports). Please also consider whether the information can be correct and is credible.
Medications and psychoactive substances are dosed according to body weight. Lighter people generally tolerate less than heavier people.
Every person reacts differently to (psychoactive) substances, so you should never blindly follow the doses given by other users, but always test carefully (with the smallest amounts that you expect to have an effect).
Some RCs are effective even in very small quantities. A precision scale is therefore essential for determining the quantity. Never use "over the thumb" methods, as this can lead to massive misjudgements with powders.
Research Chemicals should not be consumed together with other psychoactive substances.
Don't consume alone, but with friends you can rely on and who can offer support. Discuss this beforehand and don't leave others alone!
Always take longer breaks after consuming RCs.
Status: July 2022