Many dealers in Berlin offer a choice between “3MMC“ and “4MMC“. What’s the difference? In fact, a whole range of different variants are currently being sold under these two terms!
3-MMC is one of many chemical variations of mephedrone (4-MMC). Originally, these new synthetic cathinones were developed to get around legal bans. Now that 3-MMC has also been banned Europe-wide, further variants are circulating – but the old labels remain in use.
What you really get
- In place of 3-MMC you currently often get 2-MMC, sometimes 3-CMC or dipentylone (N-Methylpentylone).
- In place of 4-MMC you currently often get 4-CMC, sometimes the aforementioned substances and sometimes the riskier substances Monkey Dust or NEP (N-Ethylpentedrone).
(Data: January–May 2024, Berlin)
Only drug checking can identify the exact substance. However, hardly any reliable knowledge exists about the effects and potential dangers of the newer variants. Using them therefore comes with additional risks.
Differences
Users report these subjective differences:
- 3-MMC, 3-CMC, 2-MMC and dipentylone are less empathogenic than 4-MMC and 4-CMC: They produce a high with greater emphasis on stimulation, rather than on intense social emotions. In direct comparison, users say that 3-MMC feels “a bit more like cocaine” and 4-MMC feels “a bit more like MDMA.”
- At the same dose, 3-MMC and 3-CMC have weaker effects than 4-MMC. 2-MMC and dipentylone are weaker still. Some users try to compensate by increasing their dose – though that may raise the risk of experiencing unwanted side-effects.
Some users also report:
- Some users experience the comedown after 3-MMC and 2-MMC use as somewhat less harsh than after 4-MMC use.
- Some find that 3-MMC and 2-MMC produce a less aggressive burning sensation when snorted.
- Some find the odor of 3-MMC and 2-MMC less intense, and find their body odor less affected by heavy use than with 4-MMC.
What all variants have in common:
- 3-MMC, 4-MMC and all other synthetic cathinones produce a strong urge to redose, which may easily lead you to lose control over the amount and duration of use.
- The urge to redose increases by amount and frequency of use. We recommend taking breaks of multiple weeks between sessions.
- You can reduce the urge to redose by parachuting (swallowing) rather than insufflating (snorting) these substances (Note these additional differences: A dose 2–3× as high is needed for similar effects, onset is delayed and the duration is longer).
- Little is known about possible long-term effects of regular use.
For more information on safer use and safer sex, see our full guide to mephedrone 3-MMC.
Substances can have different effects on different people. The effects depend on factors such as body mass, tolerance, dose and current stomach content (in the case of oral use). Your mental and physical condition and the setting play an important role.
Sources:
- Drugchecking Berlin, June 2024
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA): 3-MMC Risk Assessment, 2021
- WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence: 3-MMC Critical Review Report, 2022
- Assi et al. 2017: The effects and toxicity of cathinones from the users’ perspectives: A qualitative study
- Ameline et al. 2019: Abuse of 3-MMC and forensic aspects: About 4 cases and review of the literature
- Research of user*s postings on Bluelight, Drugs-Forum, Reddit & Erowid; May 2023
- Personal conversations with users, May 2023
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