What is 2-FXE? 2-FXE, also known as CanKet, 2F-NENK, and 2F-NENDCK, is a dissociative drug similar in structure to PCE compounds with a 2-halogen and a 2'-Oxo substitution. It was first discovered by CanTEST, a Canberra, Australia-based testing service, in samples that were sold as ketamine.

What was found? 2-FXE has been consistently increasing in popularity with a large peak in late 2023. It has had a consistent upward trend since April.

How is it being discussed? Online discussions compare 2-FXE to other dissociative drugs such as ketamine or MXE (a dissociative substance/designer drug). It is described as a longer-lasting, more sedating ketamine, by some Reddit users. However, there are subjective reports of very negative trips with disturbing "body horror" visuals. Some commenters have also reported kidney damage from using 2-FXE. There are reports of a large synthesis of "tainted" 2-FXE containing an A2DPV (stimulant designer drug) cathinone cut, which raises concerns about the purity and safety of the drug supply.

Drug Terms: 2-FXE, CanKet, 2F-NENK, 2F-NENDCK, 2-F-2-Oxo-PCE

Last week's MMWR, with senior authors from the National Institute on Drug Abuse including Nora Volkow and Wilson Compton, Director and Deputy Director, presented population estimates for US adults who need opioid use disorder treatment (OUD), perceive a need for OUD treatment, receive any OUD treatment, and receive medications for OUD. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) were used to estimate and characterize populations. Results showed that among the 4% of US adults who needed OUD treatment, only 25% received recommended medications. A larger percentage (30%) received treatment without medications. Higher percentages of White than Black or African American or Hispanic or Latino adults received any treatment. Read the study here.

A recent study showed that 61% of Americans are unaware that primary care physicians can prescribe medications for opioid use disorder, and 13% incorrectly believed that they could not. The authors of the study noted that future research should explore targeted strategies to enhance public awareness and investigate the impact of increased primary care physicians’ involvement in providing medications for opioid use disorder. Read the study here. Read the press release here.

A study recently published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence identified the incidence and severity of wounds among people who use substances in the South Bronx, a region of New York City with the highest reports of substance use disorder. In total, 586 people who use substances were assessed. The results showed that approximately 23% of outreach recipients disclosed a wound. Among those with a wound, 60.9% reported one wound, 27.8% had two wounds, and 11.3% had three or more wounds. Small wounds (approximately the size of a cherry) were the most common (78.6%). Recent use of stimulants or heroin, along with intravenous use of any substance were significantly associated with having a wound. Read the study here.

A study recently published in JAMA Health Forum analyzed trends in public interest in microdosing and what impact legislative changes have had on use of psychedelics and cannabis. This topic was highlighted at the CPDD annual conference in Montreal. Data from January 2010 to December 2023 showed a notable increase in searches for microdosing across the US. This uptrend was associated with legislative changes concerning both psychedelics and cannabis. The study was featured in NPR’s All Things Considered, with insights from NDEWS Deputy Director Dr. Joseph Palamar. Read the study here. Read the NPR article here.

The webinar will cover the latest drug trends from CFSRE's NPS Discovery program, highlighting recent changes among NPS subclasses. Attendees will also learn how collaborations between forensic labs and public health departments can help them stay ahead of evolving drug markets.

Register here.

Share your research, news, and events through our submission form.

Share your comments on our newsletter through our feedback form.

Follow NDEWS on Twitter: @NDEWSnews