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Pma

Orlando

Bluelighter
Joined
Feb 26, 2002
Messages
277
Special thanks to these Bluelighters: David, dress, easy e, ewoud, Ian, and johnboy

Thanks also to the testing kit manufacturers/retailers who replied to my emails and provided information.


What is PMA?
PMA stands for para-methoxyamphetamine. It is also known as 4 MA, or 4-methoxyamphetamine.
PIHKAL Entry

What is PMA’s legal status?
All information for this section was taken from Erowid’s Drug Law & Policy page
Australia – Schedule III (2002)
Canada – Schedule III (2002)
UK – Scheduel I, Class A (2001)
US – Schedule I (2001)

How does PMA work?
PMA causes a release of serotonin and also acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. This dual action contributes to the dangerous nature of PMA.
Citations:
MAPS article
Compilation of info – this is mentioned at various points, with citations.

What are the effects of PMA?
At low doses (<40mg), PMA will cause stimulation, mild visuals, pupil dilation, nystagmus, altered consciousness, nausea, and elevated body temperature. Basically, it produces many of the same initial effects as MDMA.

At slightly higher doses (60+mg), PMA can cause a sudden and dangerous increase in body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate.

In what ways is PMA dangerous?
PMA is dangerous in its own right due the sharp dose-response curve that it exhibits - a relatively moderate increase in dose can produce dangerous (and possibly lethal) effects. This, combined with its action as a cardiopulmonary stimulant and MAOI, makes PMA extremely dangerous when taken in combination, especially with other amphetamines.

PMA is dangerous in practice because it has been sold in pill form as MDMA. The habit of many MDMA users to consume multiple doses at once is what has lent PMA its “killer” image in recent years.

Several deaths have been associated with PMA sold as MDMA, causing a stir in the media:
Amphetamine derivative fatalities in SA - is 'Ecstasy' the culprit?
Carolyn (The Glasgow Herald, Australia)
Teen Drug Alert (Chicago Sun-Times, USA)
New, More Dangerous Drug Threatens Teens (Fox News)
Cops Probe Link Between 2 Teens Deaths (Chicago Tribune, USA)
The Poisoning of Suburbia (Salon.com)
New, Fatal Imported Drug Hits Nightclubs (Orlando Sentinel, USA)
Deadly Form of Ecstasy Seized (The Observer, UK)

Why is PMA being sold as MDMA?
PMA is being sold as MDMA because it is easier and safer to make - the precursors are not as strictly controlled/watched. Also, the effects of a low PMA dose can be confused with the effects of MDMA. This makes PMA seem to be a good substitute for manufacturers who do not want to make MDMA.

Sasha Shulgin also offers this take:
There are some reports of safrole being sizable components of Star Anise Oil (Illicium verum, I. parviflorum) but the major compound in these Oils is Anethol, not Safrole. And if Anise Oil were to be used in error as a presumed source of Safrole, this material would give rise to PMA, which has been shown to be very toxic. PMA has been seen as an "Ecstasy" substitute, and I wonder if the uninformed use of Anise Oil as a presumed Safrole source, could have been the origin of PMA in the Ecstasy rave scene.

How does PMA react to various testing kits?
Note – this is the authoritative list of reactions to reagents. This list has been confirmed with testing kit retailers and other knowledgeable and trustworthy people.
Marquis – No reaction
Mecke – No reaction
Mandelin – Dark green
Simon – No reaction
Robadope – Reddish/Purple

Has PMA ever been combined with MD__ in the same pill?
YES! PMA has been combined with MDMA in order to fool testing kits while minimising manufacturing costs.

A way to combat this is by using the EZ-Test Xtreme (or other comparable testing kit), which combines two reagents – Simon’s and Robadope’s. The Simon’s reagent will indicate the presence of MD__; while Robadope’s will indicate PMA.

However, the notion that PMA is combined with MDMA in order to enhance the positive effects or 'make you roll harder' is wrong; as stated earlier, PMA in combination is even more dangerous than PMA alone.

Sources and other PMA-related links:
Erowid’s PMA Vault
London Toxicology Group
Lycaeum’s PMA Page
PiHKAL Entry
MAPS article abstract
A compilation of information

[Edit: fixed some links - Orlando]
 
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