3-MMC vs. 4-MMC (Mephedrone)

Often, both “3MMC“ and “4MMC“ are on offer, leading many to wonder: What’s the difference? In reality, 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 so-called 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 are still in use.

What you really get

• Instead of 3-MMC you currently often get 2-MMC, sometimes 3-CMC or dipentylone (N-Methylpentylone).
• Instead 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 from 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.

Subjective differences

Users unanimously 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 even weaker. 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 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.

What all variants have in common:

• 3-MMC, 4-MMC, 2-MMC, 4-CMC etc. all produce a strong urge to redose, which may easily lead you to lose control over the amount and duration of use. These substances are less compulsive when parachuted (swallowed) rather than insufflated (snorted).
• 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