What are Cathinones? Cathinones are an alkaloid found in the khat shrub (Catha edulis). Said to have originated in Ethiopia, people have been cultivating khat for thousands of years. Over 20 million people use it daily in the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa.
Cathinones are the major contributor to the effect of khat, although this wasn’t confirmed until the 1990s. A study had volunteers chew khat leaves and a cathinone-free placebo alternative. The researchers analyzed participants’ moods, blood pressure and activity levels in both groups. Their analysis led them to conclude that cathinone is not a placebo but produces effects similar to amphetamines.
Cathinones 101
Cathinones are central nervous system stimulants. They’ve often been called « natural amphetamines » because of their similar structure. Amphetamines lack the ketone C=O group, whereas cathinones do not. Cathinone has the ketone oxygen atom attached to the beta carbon. In other words, the effects of cathinones are similar to that of amphetamines. Because of this, many consider cathinones a sub-category of amphetamines.
Most cathinones on the market are, in fact, cathinone derivatives. Synthetically produced chemicals such as mephedrone, methyl-methcathinone, and euthylone are part of the cathinone family. Many cathinone derivatives include an R group to the amino acid at the end of the molecule. R groups determine the differences between protein monomers.
People like to use synthetic cathinones as alternatives to speed, ecstasy or cocaine. The powder can be snorted or wrapped in paper and swallowed. Others prefer pellets or crystals. Some people even smoke cathinones. In rare cases, people will inject cathinones. However, using a shared syringe runs the risk of blood-borne viruses like hepatitis C. Also, improper injection techniques can damage veins and cause blood clots.
What do Cathinones Feel Like?
Cathinones can cause euphoria, increased alertness (including being talkative), compassion, and empathy. Some people report less tension in their face and jaw, reduced appetite, and an intense connection with people and music. In other words, cathinones typically have the effect of amphetamines but with some MDMA thrown in for good measure. These similarities in effects make sense considering cathinones are close in structure to amphetamines.
When taken orally, users typically feel the effects of cathinones within 15 to 30 minutes. Snorting cathinones bring on the results sooner. The duration of cathinones can last up to 2 to 4 hours.
Of course, cathinones’ effects will differ based on the amount taken, a person’s metabolism, whether they have a tolerance build-up, what other substances are already in their system, and the general strength of the particular cathinone batch.
What are Cathinones’ Risks?
Like all substances, cathinones aren’t without risk. Higher doses can cause anxiety and paranoia, especially among new users.
But even among experienced consumers, cathinones risk over-stimulating the heart and circulation. People will heart conditions should take caution before trying any cathinones or cathinone derivatives.
Likewise, cathinones can reduce inhibitions which can lead to risky behaviour. People with a history of mental health issues should seek the advice of a health care professional.
A real risk to cathinones comes from sourcing them from the street. Finding a trusted source of cathinones reduces the risk of contamination and provides ease of mind.
Are Cathinones Addictive?
Cathinones and their synthetic derivatives have been known to be habit-forming and may cause psychological dependence. Research suggests cessation causes hot flashes and lethargy, but only for a few days.
What are the Different Kinds of Cathinones?
Plenty of synthetically produced chemicals are considered part of the cathinone family. These include:
- 3-CMC
- 2-Methylmethcathinone (2-MMC)
- 4-MMC (Mephedrone)
- Euthylone
- NDH (or N-Isobutyl-Hexedrone)
- NEP
- Methylone (M1)
- MDPV
- Amfepramone
- Pyrovalerone
What are Cathinones’ Medical Benefits?
Evidence of khat’s medical uses goes back to the 10th century. Arabian physicians used the shrub as an antidepressant due to its euphoric effects. Even today, khat is used daily as a therapeutic stimulant, similar to how many use caffeine or nicotine.
Synthetic cathinones are often called « bath salts » by the media. Rarely reported in a good light, any therapeutic or medical benefits get ignored in favour of sensationalist stories. This is an unfortunate effect of the drug war, as the derogatory term « bath salts » underscore the potential of cathinones to treat neurological diseases.
Cathinones have not been well-researched compared to similar substances like MDMA. There is more research on the pharmacology of khat than synthetic cathinones. However, given how chemically similar cathinones are to amphetamines and MDMA, one can draw similar conclusions. Researchers study MDMA to treat depression, anxiety, and even schizophrenia. Cathinones may also be helpful for these ailments.
Cathinones are excellent candidates for further research, given their neurostimulation effects. Like MDMA, cathinones stimulate the production of dopamine and possibly norepinephrine. This makes cathinones a potential medicine for neurological degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and dementia.
Bupropion is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. Doctors sometimes prescribe it to help people wean off tobacco. Bupropion is just a side chain away from being structurally identical to cathinone.
What is Cathinones’ Legal Status?
Cathinone and its derivative methcathinone are listed as a Schedule 1 drug in the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Other derivatives, such as amfepramone and pyrovalerone, are listed as Schedule 4.
European member states control cathinone and its derivatives to varying degrees. In the United States, cathinones are considered a Class B drug and possession can land you five years in jail. In Canada, a medical practitioner can prescribe cathinone.
In Summary
For many, cathinones are an alternative to speed, ecstasy or cocaine. This is where its reputation as a « club drug » comes in, as many taking cathinones for these reasons are seeking feelings of euphoria and intense connections with other people.
Authorities criticize cathinones for their health risks and potential for addiction. Because of this attitude, medical research into cathinones is lacking. Most studies on cathinones have looked at the pharmacology of the substance rather than its potential benefits. Many researchers have focused on the adverse risks of cathinones, such as the dependency it causes in rats.
Because of how similar cathinones are to amphetamines and MDMA, it’s unfortunate even some researchers are captivated by the « bath salts » narrative. However, as with all drug war propaganda, the narrative must soon give way to facts. And that means salvaging the medicinal reputation of cathinones.
