Drug Warning – PMMA Contaminated Ecstasy & Recent Deaths
Dear EDM enthusiasts and EmeraldCityEDM readers,
I wanted to raise some awareness about some recent ecstasy related deaths in B.C. and Calgary Canada. While I am not trying to start a debate about the use of ecstasy at EDM events, I can’t deny that ecstasy exists and is very prominently consumed. That said, there has been a recent increase in Ecstasy related deaths linked to Ecstasy contaminated with PMMA:
- 8 Alberta deaths linked to ecstasy-like drug
- More B.C. ecstasy deaths linked to toxin
- B.C. Ecstasy Deaths: PMMA, New Chemical, Detected In Five Ecstasy Deaths
- CREW (CA) Drug warning PMMA (July 2011)
- CREW (CA) Drug warning PMMA (December 2011)
PMMA is more toxic than MDMA and can overheat the body, leading to brain and organ damage. The effects of PMMA mimic those of Ecstasy, but are slower to take effect than typical MDMA.
Tips on how to stay stafe:
- If you believe that your E is not kicking in, or not strong enough, etc. – don’t just take more but wait a bit to ensure that the effect is not delayed. In the recent deaths, the majority of users thought that the E they received was either mild or bunk, so they took more. Then when the PMMA began to take effect, they had consumed enough to kill. In my opinion, it would be worth it to wait another 30 minutes in order to possibly save my life.
- Don’t hesitate to call 911 if you are concerned. The effects of PMMA are irreversable and act quickly, if you are in doubt – make the call, you could save someone’s life. The Drug Overdose Prosecution Bill is in place in Washignton state, which grants some immunity to those assisting in obtaining assistance for an overdose.
Tips from Canada’s Crew (harm reduction group) bulletin “Ecstasy containing PMMA warning“:
- Start with half a pill and wait at least 1-2 hours before re-dosing
- Avoid mixing with other substances including alcohol
- Take regular breaks from dancing
- If dancing, drink water or isotonic drinks so as not to dehydrate but be careful with water consumption, don’t go over a pint an hour
- Look after your mates and seek help if you need to
Signs of an ecstasy overdose could include:
- Hyperthermia (very high body temperature or overheating)
- Dehydration
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Breathing difficulties
- Seizures
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Muscle spasms
Types of contaminated Ecstasy:
According to the Crew bulletin, specifically Einstein press pills are of particular concern: “The SCDEA have realeased information about one particular variety of tablets. Of particular concern are tablets which look like ecstasy that have been found to contain PMMA (paramethoxymethylamphetamine). PMMA is a Class ‘A’ drug implicated in a number of deaths across Europe. An alert was issued in July 2011 and since then this drug has featured in drug-related deaths in Scotland. PMMA has been found in some batches of tablets in Scotland where they are known as “Einsteins” which have an ‘E=mc2′ logo. PMMA and other harmful substances potentially will be present in many illicit drugs including powders, products sold as ‘legal highs’ and ecstasy tablets in a variety of colours and with different logos. Like all illicit drugs, there is no way to tell what’s in them without analysing them. Not all batches of these “Einsteins” have contained PMMA so even if users have used them before with no issues, they should not presume others are the same. As with any ecstasy tablets, active ingredients and purity levels can vary.”
I also found some unverifiable comments/discussion about some of the B.C. deaths being related to pure MDMA powder, so do not fool yourself into believing that Molly is safe from contamination – if anything, Molly is easier to adulterate than a press pill.
Additional resources: