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Related Experiment Video

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Color Spot Test As a Presumptive Tool for the Rapid Detection of Synthetic Cathinones

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New psychoactive substances: Purchasing and supply patterns in Australia.

Rachel Sutherland¹, Raimondo Bruno², Amy Peacock^1,2

¹National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Human Psychopharmacology

|May 19, 2017

Summary

Most new psychoactive substance (NPS) users source drugs from friends. However, NBOMe users and those buying online are more likely to engage in for-profit supply, suggesting a potential shift towards dealing.

Keywords:

2C-x DMT NBOMe new psychoactive substances online purchasing synthetic cannabinoids

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Area of Science:

Pharmacology
Criminology
Public Health

Background:

New psychoactive substances (NPS) represent a rapidly evolving challenge in public health and drug policy.
Understanding the purchasing and supply dynamics of NPS is crucial for effective harm reduction and intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the patterns of purchasing and supply among new psychoactive substance (NPS) consumers in Australia.
To identify differences in sourcing and supply behaviors across various NPS categories and purchasing channels.

Main Methods:

A self-selected sample of 296 past-year NPS consumers in Australia participated in the study.
Data were collected on primary NPS sources, including friends, dealers, and online marketplaces.
Comparisons were made across users of specific NPS, such as dimethyltryptamine, 2C-x, NBOMe, and synthetic cannabinoids.

Main Results:

The majority of NPS consumers (58%) obtained substances from friends, with 46% reporting social supply.
NBOMe users were significantly more likely to source from dealers (30%) or online markets (22%) and to engage in for-profit supply.
Consumers sourcing NPS from online markets showed higher rates of supplying others, including strangers and acquaintances, and engaging in cash-for-profit exchanges.

Conclusions:

NBOMe users and those utilizing online markets demonstrate increased engagement in for-profit NPS supply.
The findings raise questions about whether these individuals transition into dealing or were already involved in commercial supply activities.
These patterns highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing the commercial aspects of NPS distribution.