3-MMC vs. 4-MMC (Mephedrone)

In Berlin, you may find the substance 3-MMC on offer – sometimes in addition to mephedrone (4-MMC), and sometimes as a replacement. What is the difference?

3-MMC is a close chemical relative of mephedrone (4-MMC). It was originally developed to circumvent a ban – but today, both are illegal. The two substances have similar effects.

Beware: These substances are currently often mislabeled. 3-MMC has been found sold as “mephedrone”, and various further variants (e.g. 3-CMC, 4-CMC, 2-MMC,…) have been found labled either as 3-MMC or 4-MMC. Only drug checking can identify a substance with certainty. Keep in mind: The more novel a substance is, the less verified information is available about its effects and potential dangers. New derivatives are therefore generally riskier to use.

Users unanimously report these subjective differences:

• 3-MMC is less empathogenic than 4-MMC: 3-MMC produces 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 has weaker effects than 4-MMC. Some users try to compensate by increasing their dose.

Some (but not all) users also report:

• Some users experience the comedown after 3-MMC use as somewhat less harsh than after 4-MMC use.
• Some find that 3-MMC produces a less aggressive burning sensation when insufflated.
• Some find the odor of 3-MMC less intense, and that heavy use affects body odor less than with 4-MMC.

Both substances have in common:

• 3-MMC and 4-MMC are both “moreish”, producing a strong urge to redose, which may easily lead to losing control over the amount and duration of use. They are less compulsive when parachuted (swallowed) rather than insufflated.
• 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:

• 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