What are sweet dreams made of? Analysis of psychoactive substances into “gummies”: A retrospective descriptive study

Among 8324 drug samples submitted to a Spanish harm-reduction organization between 2014 and 2015, nine were gummy formulations—a novel delivery form for psychoactive substances. Analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that 55.5% of these gummies contained multiple drugs. The most common substance was 25N-NBOMe, found in 66.7% of samples; other detected substances included 2C-E, 2C-D, allylescaline, cocaine, THC, ketamine, MDMA, and caffeine. Only 25N-NBOMe was present in an active dosage. Two-thirds of the gummies did not contain the substance the consumer expected, indicating risks of unintended effects.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction Although psychoactive substances has a long history in recreational settings, research on its composition has focused only on tablets, crystal and powder, even though new formulation for new psychoactive substances are readily available for users. Objectives To describe the presence of psychoactive substances and its characteristics in new formulations which had not previously been found in samples delivered to Energy Control from 2014 to 2015 in Spain. Methods A total of 8324 samples were analysed from June 2014 to December 2015. Only those samples in gummy formulation were studied ( n = 9). Samples were analyzed by energy control, a Spanish harm-reduction NGO that offers analysis of substances to users. Analysis was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results From 9 samples of psychoactive substances in gummy formulation, the analysis detected that 55.5% contained multiple psychoactive substances: 6 samples contained 25N-NBOMe (66.7%), 1 2C-E (11.1%), 1 2C-D (11.1%). Two allylescaline (20%), 1 cocaine (11.1%), 1 THC (11.1%), 1 canabinol (11.1%), 1 ketamine (11.1%), 1 caffeine (11.1%), 1 MDMA (11.1%), 1 N-acetyl-MDMA (11.1%), 1 metoxetamine (11.1%), 1 N-acetyl-MDMA), 1 2C-N (11.1%). The only substance found in active dosage was 25N-NBOMe. Six samples (66.67%) did not contain the substance expected by the consumer. Discussion Incipient presence of gummies as new psychoactive formulation was found. The most prevalent drug was 25N-NBOMe; 66.7% did not contain the substance expected. This may pose a risk for potential harmful effects. All the gummies were known to be drug-carriers when bought. This could represent the presence of new formulations from June 2014 in the Spanish recreational market. Disclosure of interest The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.