1-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)propan-1-one (3-chloromethcathinone, 3-CMC) is a synthetic cathinone with psychostimulant effects. 3-CMC is a derivative of cathinone, the naturally occurring stimulant and main psychoactive substance in the khat plant, Catha edulis. 3-CMC is also closely related to and shares similar psychostimulant effects with methcathinone (ephedrone) and 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC; clephedrone). Cathinone, methcathinone, and 4-CMC are controlled under the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances because of the public health and social risks that they pose.
On 9 September 2021, the EMCDDA assessed the existing information on 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)propan-1-one (commonly known as 3-chloromethcathinone or 3-CMC), based on the following criteria: (1) reports of health problems; (2) reports of social problems; (3) reports of seized material; (4) pharmacological and toxicological properties and analogy with better-studied
substances; and, (5) potential for further spread.
The EMCDDA concluded that the assessment gave rise to concerns that 3-CMC may pose health or social risks at Union level, and, consequently, determined that an initial report should be produced.
On 18 October 2021, the EMCDDA submitted to the Commission and Member States an initial report on the new psychoactive substance 3-CMC, in accordance with Article 5b of the Regulation (EC) 1920/2006 (as amended). The report concluded that the health and social risks, caused by the use of, the manufacture of, and traffic in 3-CMC, as well as the involvement of organised crime and possible consequences of control measures, could be thoroughly assessed through a risk assessment procedure as foreseen by Article 5c of the Regulation (EC) 1920/2006 (as amended).
The full text of the Initial Report can be found HERE
NDEWS Alert from Mar 26 – Apr 8, 2022:
What was found? Drug subreddit discussion indicates resurgent interest in 3-CMC in the early months of 2022. Notably, this discussion trend occurs after the data collection period of the EMCDDA’s report, but preceding its publication.
How is 3-CMC being discussed? Subreddit commenters frequently co-mention 3-CMC with a similar synthetic cathinone, 3-Methylmethcathinone (3-MMC), when comparing the availability and effects of the two substances.
How do people feel about 3-CMC? Six of ten sentences in comments mentioning 3-CMC expressed positive sentiment, as predicted by algorithmic sentiment analysis.