Thanks for getting back to us DeSpise. I figured you were either dead, or partying hard and having a ball, or in hospital. Nice to know it wasn't the former, and that you're now OK .
I think it should be a rule of thumb NOT to sniff any powders where the contents are unknown. Perhaps it should read...at least until it's first been "identified" via oral administration.
For PMA to be sold as MDMA (especially in Melbourne), it is quiet a rare occurence. Due to the chemical PMA's relatively poor reputation all-round, whether it be "uncomfortable" experiences, or you have simply TAKEN TOO MUCH!!
Deformed Neuron, I would argue that most PMA is made not for a demanding market, but simply because the precursor is so readily available and cheap. All the other compounds required are "off the shelf". The same precursor can produce the 2C-X series of drugs but the chemist needs a bit more knowledge and it would be a more lengthy procedure.
You might like to read this thread if you haven't seen it.
2CX- Dilemma for Law Enforcement and Harm Reduction?
Except the dichromate salt (which isn't required for PMA), all the other compounds required are also off the shelf - Dichromate is even still available if the cook knew where to look. This carcinogen (dichromate) was once in all kids chemistry sets.
What this essentially means is that although the starting materials for MDXX and amphetamine/meth are difficult to come by i.e. restricted or watched, the starting material for PMA and a host of other PEAS/AMPS is not. In fact it's readily available and can be purchased without suspicion.
So therein lies the danger. If you are knowingly sold (silly enough to buy?) PMA, then at least you know what you've got. If you're educated enough about it, then at least you'll likely be VERY cautious if taking it.
[It could also be argued that if the average user [?] was educated enough i.e. read enough trip reports, he'd never be likely to go near PMA/ PMMA and so never contemplate taking it]
But if PMA is sold as MDMA, or mixed with anything able to fool the kits, then there's potential trouble all round. The likelihood of this occurring is perhaps quite high when it's considered people are producing this because it's easy and cheap - like their morals.
Jimity, almost anything water soluble can be mixed with something else water soluble and insufflated. Whether this is an irritant or worse depends upon the nature and concentrations of both the active and the cut.
There's an old story (Deja News days - so it could have been an urban myth) about some people who snorted what they thought was cocaine when in fact it was pure LSD tartrate. Although all were said to have experienced severe mental and physical discomfort (muscle spasms etc) all were reported to have recovered without any problems
It was said each had consumed an equivalent of ~ 12,000 doses!!