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
Current warnings week 13-2021
In March 2021, we tested a number of substances of particular health concern. In addition to (very) high-dose ecstasy tablets, one ecstasy tablet submitted for analysis contained the active ingredient MDMA instead of the expected active ingredient MDA were identified. Furthermore, on a trip submitted for analysis as 1CP-LSD LSD and on a trip passed off as LSD, in addition to LSD and iso-LSD, 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 13- 2021
Current warnings KW 11-2021
In March 2021, we tested a number of substances of particular health concern. In one cannabis sample, the synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-4en-PINACA identified. In various cocaine samples, the extender Levamisole found.
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 11 - 2021
Current warnings week 9-2021
In February 2021, we tested a number of substances of particular health concern. In addition to some (very) high-dose ecstasy tablets, many cocaine samples were found to contain the extender Levamisole detected. A sample submitted for analysis as MDMA the new psychoactive substance Clephedrone (4-CMC) on. In addition, the new psychoactive substance 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine was identified in two samples submitted for analysis as ketamine.
Under the following link, all samples that have been collected since the last warnings until today at checkit! analysed and classified as high-dose, unexpected or of particular health concern: Current warnings week 9 - 2021
Current warnings week 7-2021
In February 2021, we tested a number of substances of particular health concern. In addition to two (very) high-dose ecstasy tablets, two tablets submitted for analysis as 2C-B also contained a unknown substance .
Under the following link, all samples that have been collected since the last warnings until today at checkit! analysed and classified as high-dose, unexpected or of particular health concern: Current warnings week 7 - 2021
Current warnings week 5-2021
In January 2021, we tested a number of substances of particular health concern. In a sample submitted as cannabis, the synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-4en-PINACA found. A powder analysed as 3-methylethcathinone (3-MEC) contained another new psychoactive substance instead: 3-Chloroethcathinone (3-CEC).
Under the following link, all samples that have been collected since the last warnings until today at checkit! analysed and classified as high-dose, unexpected or of particular health concern: Current warnings week 5 - 2021
Current warnings KW 3-2021
In January 2021, we tested a number of substances of particular health concern. One sample submitted as cannabis also contained the new synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-4en-PINACA on. In addition to 6-monoacetylmorphine, diacetylmorphine, morphine, noscapine and papaverine, caffeine, paracetamol, MDMA and two unknown substances were discovered in a powder submitted for analysis as heroin.
Under the following link, all samples that have been collected since the last warnings until today at checkit! analysed and classified as high-dose, unexpected or of particular health concern: Current warnings week 3 - 2021
Current warnings week 52-2020
In December 2020, we tested a number of substances of particular health concern. One tablet submitted for analysis as ecstasy did not contain any MDMA, but only Caffeine detected. Two powders/crystals dispensed as MDMA showed Chlorpheniramine on. In addition, a speed/amphetamine sample contained a mixture of Caffeine and three unknown substances.
Under the following link, all samples that have been collected since the last warnings until today at checkit! analysed and classified as high-dose, unexpected or of particular health concern: Current warnings week 52 - 2020