The use of synthetic cathinones, particularly 3-MMC, is a growing concern across Europe and increasingly in the United states. While mephedrone has been prevalent for roughly a decade and a half, recent years have seen a shift in the substances people are using for recreational purposes. In 2017, approximately 600,000 individuals in France reported using ecstasy-type drugs annually, representing 1.6% of the population. However, pinpointing the exact number of 3-MMC users remains arduous, though experts believe its significantly lower – for now.
Understanding 3-MMC and Its Rising Popularity
Initially, around 2010, 3-MMC consumption was largely confined to specific communities. These included men who have sex with men, and those participating in group sexual encounters involving synthetic drugs, often referred to as “chem