Current warnings week 31-2021
In July 2021, we tested a number of substances of particular health concern. One sample submitted as ketamine did not contain ketamine but Levamisole. In addition to the expected active ingredient MDMA, an ecstasy tablet also contained a unknown substance.
In the following, all samples that have been taken since the last warnings to date by checkit! analysed and classified as high-dose, unexpected or of particular health concern: Current warnings week 31-2021
Current warnings week 29-2021
In July 2021, we tested a number of substances of particular health concern. One sample submitted as cocaine contained Clephedrone (4-CMC) and an unknown substance. During an LSD trip, traces of LSD and the new psychoactive substance 25E-NBOH were detected. Two samples handed in as cannabis also contained the synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-4en-PINACA, another sample contained the synthetic cannabinoid 4F-MDMB-BICA and another sample a unknown substance.
In the following, all samples that have been taken since the last warnings to date by checkit! analysed and classified as high-dose, unexpected or of particular health concern: Current warnings week 29 - 2021
Current warnings week 27-2021
In June 2021, we tested a number of substances that pose a particular health risk.
In the following, all samples that have been taken since the last warnings to date by checkit! analysed and classified as high-dose, unexpected or of particular health concern: Current warnings week 27 2021
Current warnings week 25-2021
In June 2021, we tested a number of substances of particular health concern. A (very) high MDMA content was detected in some ecstasy tablets. Synthetic cannabinoids were also identified in three samples: MDMB-4en-PINACA was detected both in a sample submitted as cannabis and in a sample submitted as hashish. Another cannabis sample showed ADB-BUTINACA and EDMB-PINACA .
In the following, all samples that have been taken since the last warnings to date by checkit! analysed and classified as high-dose, unexpected or of particular health concern: Current warnings week 25 - 2021
Current warnings week 23-2021
At the end of May / beginning of June 2021, we tested a number of substances of particular health concern. Two samples dispensed as cannabis also contained the synthetic cannabinoid ADB-BUTINACA in addition to cannabis. One tablet dispensed as ecstasy contained amphetamine and caffeine instead of MDMA.
In the following, all samples that have been taken since the last warnings to date by checkit! analysed and classified as high-dose, unexpected or of particular health concern: Current warnings week 23 - 2021
Current warnings KW 21-2021
In May 2021, we tested a number of substances of particular health concern. In addition to three very high-dose ecstasy tablets, the majority of cocaine samples contained the extender Levamisole was detected. In addition, in a sample submitted as cocaine, a unknown substance was detected. Furthermore, the synthetic cannabinoid AB-PINACA and another unknown substance were detected in a sample submitted for analysis as cannabis.
In the following, all samples that have been taken since the last warnings to date by checkit! analysed and classified as high-dose, unexpected or of particular health concern: Current warnings week 21 - 2021
Current warnings week 19-2021
In May 2021, we tested a number of substances of particular health concern. In one sample submitted as ketamine instead 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine was detected as an ingredient. One tablet sold as Xanax contained the ingredient alprazolam instead of alprazolam Flualprazolam. On a cannabis sample, checkit! was able to detect the synthetic cannabinoid ADB-BUTINACA prove.
In the following, all samples that have been taken since the last warnings to date by checkit! analysed and classified as high-dose, unexpected or of particular health concern: Current warnings week 19 - 2021
Current warnings week 17-2021
In April 2021, we tested a number of substances of particular health concern. In addition to some ecstasy tablets, some of which contained very high doses, a sample submitted for analysis as cocaine contained the new psychoactive substance N-ethylhexedrone detected. A sample submitted as mephedrone (4-MMC) did not contain the expected substance, but rather Clephedrone (4-CMC). Please refer to the appendix for details.
In the following, all samples that have been taken since the last warnings to date by checkit! analysed and classified as high-dose, unexpected or of particular health concern. Current warnings week 17- 2021
Current warnings KW 15-2021
At the end of March / beginning of April 2021, we tested a number of substances of particular health concern. In a sample submitted for analysis as Speed, the active substance Pseudoephedrine was detected. In addition, one tablet dispensed as 2C-B and two samples dispensed as mephedrone (4-MMC) each contained one unknown substance found next to the expected active substance.
In the following, all samples that have been taken since the last warnings to date by checkit! analysed and classified as high-dose, unexpected or of particular health concern. Current warnings KW 15- 2021
Warning: Synthetic cannabinoids detected in cannabis
Since the end of 2020, warnings have had to be issued for four samples passed off as cannabis, as they synthetic cannabinoids were detected: One sample showed AB-PINACA and three more MDMB-4en-PINACA .
Synthetic cannabinoids are compounds that have a similar effect to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, most compounds are many times more potent than THC. stronger and in some cases longer-acting than THC. Therefore, the consumption of synthetic cannabinoids leads to comparatively frequent overdoses and intoxications, which can manifest themselves as follows: Unconsciousness/coma, effects on the cardiovascular system (such as tachycardia to cardiac arrest), seizures, nausea with vomiting, confusion, acute psychosis or aggressive behaviour. Unconsciousness poses a risk of asphyxiation if vomiting occurs. The risk of overdose can be increased by an uneven distribution of the substance on the carrier material (e.g. cannabis flowers). Since little research has been conducted on these substances, no reliable statements can yet be made about the effects, risks and long-term consequences. Consumption is strongly discouraged!
MDMB-4en-PINACA is, like other synthetic cannabinoids, many times stronger and presumably longer lasting than cannabis at the same dose[1]. Deaths have also been reported in connection with the consumption of MDMB-4en-PINACA.
AB-PINACA appeared for the first time in 2012. Animal model studies suggest that it is approx. 2-14 more potent than THC[2]. To our knowledge, there have been no scientific studies on the effects on humans. According to case reports, the consumption of AB-PINACA has been associated with serious overdoses and deaths.[3]
Safer use - synthetic cannabinoids [4]
- Test small amounts - e.g. a few puffs - of cannabis products of unknown source. Then wait about 15 minutes for the effect to kick in. If the effect is unusual, refrain from further consumption!
- Avoid mixed consumption (also with alcohol)!
- Make sure your cannabis products are well mixed - use a grinder, for example. This way you can avoid a high concentration of possible synthetic cannabinoids on individual flower parts.
You can find more information about the individual samples here: Warning - Synthetic cannabinoids
If you have any questions or uncertainties on this topic, you can contact checkit! staff. Telephone counselling times and information on online counselling can be found here: https://www.checkyourdrugs.at/ We look forward to your questions!
[1] Krotulski, A. J., Cannaert, A., Stove, C., & Logan, B. K. (2020). The next generation of synthetic cannabinoids: Detection, activity, and potential toxicity of pent-4en and but-3en analogues including MDMB-4en-PINACA. Drug Testing and Analysis.
[2] Wiley, J. L., Marusich, J. A., Lefever, T. W., Antonazzo, K. R., Wallgren, M. T., Cortes, R. A., ... & Thomas, B. F. (2015). AB-CHMINACA, AB-PINACA, and FUBIMINA: affinity and potency of novel synthetic cannabinoids in producing Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-like effects in mice. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 354(3), 328-339.
[3] Trecki, J., Gerona, R. R., & Schwartz, M. D. (2015). Synthetic cannabinoid-related illnesses and deaths. N Engl J Med, 373(2), 103-107.
[4] https://suchtpraevention-zh.ch/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/210409_Schnelltest-Cannabis-Factsheet_Safezone.pdf