Description

Some drugs are derived from plants, like heroin and cocaine, and many others are born in chemical laboratories.

Long, complicated procedures result in a few chemicals that have therapeutic uses and hundreds of others that are only trafficked on the illicit market. In general, these synthetic substances never go through any kind of testing procedure until some underground chemist offers those drugs for sale on the illicit market.

A recent newcomer to this illicit market is methoxetamine, known to most users as MXE, now being tested on thousands of unsuspecting buyers.

What Is Methoxetamine?

This synthetic drug is part of a family of psychoactive substances that includes the animal anesthetic ketamine and the intensely psychoactive drug phencyclidine (PCP). In effect, it is most similar to ketamine in that it is a dissociative drug. This means that it is a drug that creates a disconnection between an individual and his (or her) thoughts, memory and even one’s own sense of identity.

What Does Methoxetamine Look Like?

Like many other synthetics, it is usually sold as an odorless white powder. A quick internet search shows that this drug can be purchased from overseas manufacturers who claim that it is a “research chemical” that can legally be sold to anyone. Twenty-five grams can be ordered for less than $200 paid with bitcoin or Western Union money order. The Drug Enforcement Administration disagrees with any claim to its legality.

It may also be added to other powdered drugs such as methamphetamine or cocaine or pressed into pills.

How Is Methoxetamine Used?

As a powder, it can be snorted or placed under the tongue. It can be dissolved and then injected into muscles or directly into a vein.