4-Methylmethcathinone
Legal Status
U.S. FEDERAL LAW #
Caution : All legal information should be verified through other sources. [see below]
U.S. FEDERAL LEGAL SUMMARY | |
4-Methylmethcathinone | |
REGULATED | Yes |
STATUS | Scheduled |
SCHEDULE | Schedule I |
4-Methylmethcathinone is currently in Schedule I in the United States. This means it is illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute (sell, trade or give) without a DEA license.
In July, 2012, the US signed into Federal law a long list of new substances added to Schedule I including 4-methylmethcathinone (Mephedrone); 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV); 2-(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylphenyl)ethanamine (2C-E); 2-(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)ethanamine (2C-D); 2-(4-Chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine (2C-C); 2-(4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine (2C-I); 2-[4-(Ethylthio)-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl]ethanamine (2C-T-2); 2-[4-(Isopropylthio)-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl]ethanamine (2C-T-4); 2-(2,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine (2C-H); 2-(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-nitro-phenyl)ethanamine (2C-N); (28) 2-(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-(n)-propylphenyl)ethanamine (2C-P).
See http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/s3187/text.
In July, 2012, the US signed into Federal law a long list of new substances added to Schedule I including 4-methylmethcathinone (Mephedrone); 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV); 2-(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylphenyl)ethanamine (2C-E); 2-(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)ethanamine (2C-D); 2-(4-Chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine (2C-C); 2-(4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine (2C-I); 2-[4-(Ethylthio)-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl]ethanamine (2C-T-2); 2-[4-(Isopropylthio)-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl]ethanamine (2C-T-4); 2-(2,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine (2C-H); 2-(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-nitro-phenyl)ethanamine (2C-N); (28) 2-(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-(n)-propylphenyl)ethanamine (2C-P).
See http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/s3187/text.
U.S. STATE LAW #
Alabama #
In February 2011, the Alabama Department of Public Health declared MDPV and 4-methymethcathinone as controlled substances. See http://www.wkrg.com/alabama/article/alabama-bans-bath-salts/1204988/Feb-22-2011_4-10-pm/. (thanks jsl) (last updated Mar 23 2011)
Florida #
On January 26, 2011, an emergency scheduling went into effect in Florida for MDPV, methylone, mephedrone, 3-methoxymethcathinon, 3-fluoromethcathinone, and 4-fluoromethcathinone as media attention on products labeled as "bath salts" grew. These chemicals are now Schedule I under Florida law. See http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0893/0893.html. (thanks rcm, bea) (last updated Jul 18, 2012)
Indiana #
Effective July 1, 2011 MDPV, fluoromethcathinone, mephedrone, methylone, methedrone, and 4-ethylmethcathinone are controlled substances in Indiana. See http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2011/HE/HE1102.1.html">http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2011/HE/HE1102.1.html. (thanks K) (last updated June 6 2011)
Louisiana #
In January 2011, the governor of Louisiana emergency scheduled 3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone (methylone), 3,4-methyenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), 4-Methylmethcathinone (Mephedrone), 4-methoxymethcathinone, 4-fluoromethcathinone and 3-fluoromethcathinone. See nolacriminallaw.com. (thanks tsc) (last updated Jan 8 2011)
Maine #
In June 2011, Maine passed an emergency measure outlawing a number of 'snthetic hallucinogenic chemicals that are sometimes marketed as 'bath salts'." 4-Methylmethcathinone is now Schedule W in Maine. See http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_125th/billtexts/HP114701.asp. Thanks KC. Last updated July 23 2011
Michigan #
Michigan controlled/banned 4-methylmethcathinone on Oct 1 2010. (thanks rm) (last updated Oct 26 2010)
Minnesota #
In May 2011, Minnesota passed a law adding a number of cathinone-derivatives, psychedelic phenethylamines, and cannabinoid receptor agonists to Schedule I. The banned cathinone-derivates include 4-Methylmethcathinone. See https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/?id=53&doctype=chapter&year=2011&type=0. (thanks k) (last updated July 25 2011)
New Jersey #
New Jersey added six stimulants to Schedule I under an order by the Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, including: 4-methylmethcathinone, MDPV, Methylone (3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone, methedrone (4-methoxymethcathinone), 3-fluoromethcathinone, and 4-fluoromethcathinone. See http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/bathsalts/. (thanks es) (last updated Jul 18 2012)
North Dakota #
North Dakota legislatively banned MDPV and 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) in March 2011. A year earlier, North Dakota's State Board of Pharmacy emergency banned five synthetic cannabinoids and two stimulants (including MDPV and 4-methyhlmethcathinone) on Feb 26 2010. The rule became permanent several months later. See Bismarck Tribune story. (thanks pd) (last updated Mar 23, 2011)
New Mexico #
4-Methylmethcathinone is controlled in New Mexico. See 2011 SB 134 http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/keyword.aspx?Title=cannabinoid&year=11. (Thanks B) (last updated Jul 12 2011)
New York #
4-Methylmethcathinone was added to New York's Schedule I in July 2011, effective 30 days after signing. See http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Edward-C-Braunstein/story/43763/. (thanks r) (last updated Aug 6 2011)
Ohio #
In July 2011, Ohio passed HB 64 banning five synthetic cannabinoids and six synthetic cathinones (including Mephedrone) to their Schedule I, making them illegal to buy, sell, or possess without a license. See http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText129/129_HB_64_EN_N.html. (thanks k,t) (last updated Jul 20 2011)
Oklahoma #
In May 2011, Oklahoma passed a law adding a number of cathinone-derivatives, psychedelic phenethylamines, and cannabinoid receptor agonists to Schedule I. The banned cathinones include 4-methylmethcathinone. See http://newlsb.lsb.state.ok.us/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=SB919&Session=1100. (thanks U) (last updated June 28 2011)
Pennsylvania #
Pennsylvania passed a law on June 23 2011 adding several new drugs to the controlled substances list, making 3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone (Methylone), 3,4-Methyenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), 4-Methylmethcathinone (Mephedrone), 4-Methoxymethcathinone, 4-Fluoromethcathinone, and 3-Fluoromethcathinone all Schedule I in the state of Pennsylvania. News about the law change refers to banning "bath salts". See http://www.centredaily.com/2011/06/23/2795790/corbett-to-sign-bill-outlawing.html and http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2011&sessInd=0&billBody=S&billTyp=B&billNbr=1006&pn=1304. (thanks t) (last updated June 24 2011)
Tennessee #
Tennessee enacted a law making it Class A misdemeanor to "produce, manufacture, distribute, sell, or offer to sell" Methylone, MDPV, Mephedrone, Methedrone, Flephedrone, and 3-FMC as of May 2011. See http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0457. (thanks sb) (last updated June 30 2011)
Texas #
Texas added 4-Methylmethcathinone to its list of "penalty group 2" controlled substances as of September 1, 2011. See http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/82R/billtext/html/HB02118F.htm. (last updated Aug 17 2011)
Utah #
Utah banned 17 substances in February 2011, including 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone), methylone, 4-methoxymethcathinone, 4-fluoromethcathinone, 3, fluoromethcathinone, MDPV, and several synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists that had been sold in Spice-type products. See http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2011/feb/26/bath_salts_fake_marijuana_banned, Utah.gov 2011 HB23 (thanks smh) (last updated Mar 11 2011)
Vermont #
Classified under "Depressant and stimulant drugs" (Title 18, Chapter 84, Section 4234) : Illegal to possess, distribute, etc. Added July 2012. See healthvermont.gov/regs/documents/regulated_drugs_emergency_rule_annotated.pdf and http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/fullsection.cfm?Title=18&Chapter=084&Section=04234. (Thanks DW) (last updated Jul 23, 2012)
West Virginia #
West Virginia has reportedly made 4-methylmethcathinone a controlled subtance on April 10 2011. (unconfirmed) (thanks mp) (last updated Apr 24 2011)
Wisconsin #
Wisconsin added MDPV and 4-methylmethcathinone to their list of controlled drugs in July 2011 (2011 wisconsin act 31). (thanks a1) (last updated Aug 22, 2011)
If you have information about the legal status of this substance in any other U.S. state, please let us know.
INTERNATIONAL LAW #
European Union (EU) #
In October 2010, a European Union commission called for an EU-wide ban of 4-methylmethcathinone. See europa.eu.
Australia #
According to one contributor, a large bust in Cairns seized 2000 doses of 4-methylmethcathinone and was subsequently added to the Australian federal drug watch list and is now considered illegal if intended for human consumption. See Killer pills hit Cairns, Jun 2008. In 2010, large shipments of 4-methylmethcathinone were seized by Australian customs and 22 men were arrested in Australia in connection with these imports. See 'Miaow' drug seized in mail busts, smh.com.au. (thanks i, ys) (last updated Feb 28, 2010)
Austria #
Austria reportedly banned 4-methylmethcathinone on Aug 20, 2010 in their SMG. (unconfirmed) (thanks fr) (last updated Sep 13 2010)
Belgium #
Belgium banned 4-methylmethcathinone on Apr 29 2010, by making it a regulated drug requiring the approval of the Ministry of Human Health to import, sell, or possess. See Designerdrug mephedrone op lijst van psychotrope stoffen, Apr 29 2010. (thanks kizzamp) (last updated May 20 2010)
Brazil #
Brazil added 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) to the list of Scheduled drugs (class F2), making it illegal to possess, sell, or manufacture without a license as of August, 2011. See http://www.anvisa.gov.br/hotsite/talidomida/legis/RDC_36_2011.pdf. (thanks c, f) (last updated May 7 2012)
China #
China has made 4-Methylmethcathinone a Category I psychotropic substance, illegal to sell, buy, import, export, and manufacture 4-methylmethcathinone as of September 2010. See China's SFDA announcement. (thanks cnp) (last updated Aug 9 2010)
Croatia #
According to one visitor, 4-MMC is controlled in Croatia. (unconfirmed) (thanks t) (last updated Nov 9, 2015)
Czech Republic #
The Czech Republic added a number of recent drugs to their controlled lists in early 2011, including BZP, 2C-I, PMMA, synthetic cannabinoids, and a variety of cathinone derivates including 4-methyl-methcathinone and MDPV. The Czech Republic has decriminalized possession of small amounts of most recreational drugs, so penalties for possession are quite low. See Czech Drug Law. (thanks p) (last updated Apr 17 2011)
Denmark #
Denmark's Minister for Health and Prevention Jakob Axel Nielsen banned "mephedrone", "flephedrone" and ethylcathinone on Dec 18, 2008. As of July 1, 2012, Denmark also created a type of Analogue law that would include cathinones like 4-Methylmethcathinone (https://www.retsinformation.dk/forms/R0710.aspx?id=140430. (thanks Abrad; from Ministry of Health and Prevention press release)
Finland #
Through the Medicines Act, 4-methylmethcathinone is classified as a "medicinal product", making it illegal to manufacture, import, possess, sell, or transfer it without a prescription. (thanks Chuang Tzu; from ot.fi, date unknown and City.fi, Sep 5 2008)
France #
French Ministry of Health decided in early June 2010 to add 4-Methylmethcathinone to the list of illicit substances in the "Journal Officiel du 11 juin 2010". See http://www.sante-sports.gouv.fr/la-mephedrone-classee-comme-stupefiant.html. (thanks PA) (last updated Jun 14 2010)
Germany (Deutschland) #
4-Methylmethcathinone has been added to Anlage I starting Jan 22, 2010 and will then be controlled in Germany. See http://www.buzer.de/gesetz/9164/index.htm. (thanks r) (last updated Jan 7, 2010)
India #
4-Methylmethcathinone seems to have been added to the list of controlled psychotropic substances sometime in 2014 but a few media outlets refer to the date as Feb or Mar 2015. See Mephedrone put on prohibited drug list and Narcotics Control Bureau Annual Report 2014. (last updated Apr 27, 2016)
Israel #
In December 2007, 4-methylmethcathinone was added to Israel's list of controlled substances, making it illegal to buy, sell, or possess. Further, Israel banned four "families" of substances and their derivatives in July 2010. The families are cathinones, methcathinones, amphetamines, and methamphetamines. The new rules are designed to preemptively ban new drugs before they are sold in Israel. See http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=181254. (Thanks A) (last updated May 12 2011)
Italy (Italia) #
Listed in Tabella I of "Tabelle delle sostanze stupefacenti e psicotrope", making it illegal to possess, purchase, or sell. (see Tabelle delle sostanze stupefacenti e psicotrope. (thanks a) (last updated Dec 16, 2015)
Netherlands #
In March, 2010, the Dutch Ministry of Health and the Medicines Authority IGZ informed the Ministry of Justice that they now consider Mephedrone an unregulated medicine and sales and distribution of it are now prohibited. (thanks A) (last updated Mar 7 2010)
New Zealand #
Although one contributor stated that 4-methylmethcathinone was controlled in December 2008, this has been disputed by another visitor. We have been unable to find any documentation that it is controlled in New Zealand. (thanks rd) (last updated Nov 10 2009)
Norway #
The "Derivatbestemmelsen" is an Analog Act-type law in Norway that controls 4-methylmethcathinone, Bk-MBDB, Bromo-Dragonfly, 1,4butanediol, GBL, and MBDB. See legemiddelverket.no. (thanks o) (last updated April 29 2009)
Poland #
On Aug 25, 2010, 4-Methylmethcathinone was added to the list of controlled "psychotropic drugs" in the I-P group. See http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/DetailsServlet?id=WDU20101430962 (listed as 'mefedron'). (thanks WO) (last updated Aug 24 2010)
Romania #
4-Methylmethcathinone was added to Romania's list of controlled substances in February 2010. See http://salviadivinorum.ro/noile-substante-intezise/. (thanks i) (last updated Aug 26 2010)
Russia #
Methylone & Mephedrone are in List 1 in Russian Federation as if August 2010. This means it is illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute. See http://gazeta.ru/news/lenta/2010/08/04/n_1529350.shtml. (thanks d) (last updated Aug 9 2020)
Slovak Republic #
Starting March 1, 2011, MDBD, bk-MBDB, bk-MDMA, and 4-Methylmethcathinone are controlled in the Slovak Republic. See http://www.nrsr.sk/Dynamic/Download.aspx?DocID=350863. (thanks J) (last updated Feb 15 2011)
Sweden #
Classified as a "health hazard" or "hazardous substance" ("hälsofarlig vara") pending further legislation, a ban on
4-methylmethcathinone went into effect on December 15, 2008, making its sale illegal. Use of 4-methylmethcathinone is not explicitly illegal under this regulation. (Goteborg.se, Nov 19 2008; Corren.se, Dec 6 2008)
United Kingdom (UK, Britain) #
4-Methylmethcathinone is a class B drug, illegal to possess without the proper license or prescription, as of Apr 16, 2010. (thanks bn) (last updated Apr 12 2010)
If you have information about the legal status of this substance in any other country, please let us know.
CAUTION & DISCLAIMER #
Erowid legal information is a summary of data gathered from site visitors, government documents, websites, and other resources. We are not lawyers and can not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided here. We do our best to keep this information correct and up-to-date, but laws are complex and constantly changing. Laws may also vary from one jurisdiction to another (county, state, country, etc)...this list is not comprehensive.
RELATED RESOURCES #
RELATED LINKS #
NoneMEDIA & NEWS #
Arrests in Greater Manchester mephedrone drug ring raids - BBC - May 2013