Earlier this week, NPS Discovery published an alert describing recent medetomidine identifications and overdose events. Most recently, medetomidine has been found in mass overdose outbreaks in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. These overdose outbreaks have been associated with fentanyl or heroin drug products containing medetomidine, xylazine, and other substances. Read the alert here.

NDEWS was alerted to a recent spike in overdoses in Philadelphia by NPS Discovery. Data from biospatial between April 1st and May 12th are presented above. Counts of 911 dispatches during the seven-week period rose from 95 for the week of April 1st to 205 for the week of May 12th, with a peak at 263 in the week of April 28th.

What is 2C-E? 2C-E, also known as "Eternity", is a Schedule I synthetic psychedelic drug in the phenethylamine class. It produces intense visual hallucinations and a heavy, introspective mental state.

What was found? Analysis of online discussions indicates a rise in interest and use of 2C-E, with activity increasing by over 400% since late 2022. A particular spike has occurred just in the past month since mid-March 2024. Discussion of 2C-E fluctuates quite wildly over time.

How is it being discussed? 2C-E has an online reputation as an intense and long-lasting psychedelic. Reddit users frequently mention strong visual effects, a heavy and sometimes dark mental space, and an uncomfortable "body load" involving nausea, vomiting, and muscle tension. Many Reddit users also mention vasoconstriction as an effect of 2C-E. The long 7-8 hour duration has earned it the nickname in online communities of "Eternity". Discussions often warn of 2C-E's very steep dose-response curve, where even slight dosage changes can dramatically intensify effects. Some mention combining 2C-E with MDMA or other psychedelics.

Expert Insight: Joseph Palamar, NDEWS Deputy Director, conducted a qualitative study comparing the effects of various psychedelic phenethylamines and  tryptamines, and he interviewed over a dozen people who use 2C-E. 2C-E  was the second-most prevalent 2C series drug after 2C-B which is the  most popular compound in this class. Participants described 2C-E effects as being “as visual as it gets” and some described the drug as being  “incredibly nausea-inducing”.

Drug Terms: 2C-E, Eternity

You are invited to attend the NDEWS Summit at the College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) 86th Annual Scientific Meeting on Saturday, June 15th (06/15/2024) from 4:00-6:30 PM ET in meeting room Avenue Duluth. The Summit will be open to all CPDD meeting attendees. Please fill out our RSVP form here to inform us of your attendance.

We hope to see you there!

NPS Discovery also published its Q2 2024 recommendations for NPS testing in the US last week. Notable changes were seen for NPS opioids, and NPS stimulants and hallucinogens. View the report here.

Last week, the Justice Department formally moved to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. A proposed rule was sent to the federal register that if approved would change marijuana from a Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule III controlled substance. The Drug Enforcement Administration will now take public comment on the proposal for 60 days, followed by a review from an administrative judge. Read the article here.

Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Time: 1:00 p.m. E.T.

Register here.

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