Mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant also known as Meow, Bubbles and MCAT, has been banned in the UK and a representative from Quoteboffin.co.uk has welcomed the news, claiming it will benefit the NHS and healthcare providers across the country.

The representative explained that the laboratory-produced drug had the potential to prove a huge drain on the UK’s health resources, and that Quoteboffin thereby supported the recent ban.

While research into the drug – which is derived from cathinone, a compound found in a plant called Khat – is incomplete, the Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs announced it a harmful substance and recommended the ban.

Producing a feeling similar to those experienced by people taking drugs of the amphetamine family, mephedrone has been likened to cocaine and ecstasy. The sensations it produces can include an increased heart rate, anxiety and a sense of euphoria. Associated effects include nausea, palpitations and vomiting, reports the BBC.

Up to 25 deaths have been linked to the drug although their connection has not been conclusively scientifically proven.

The drug and related compounds have been reclassified as class B drugs. This is the same category as cannabis and represents the second most dangerous kind of drug.

A Quoteboffin spokesman said: “Successful measures to cut down on illegal drug use have a wide-raging positive effect on the health care providers across the UK. Drugs such as mephadone can produce a huge drain on NHS resources as people who become ill through illegal drug can often need emergency or even long-term treatment. This can also have an effect on health insurance prices and can drive up the cost of policies for everyone.

“We welcome the ban and encourage people to think carefully about what they put in their bodies.”

Individuals and businesses known to be the selling the drug before the ban came into place were approached by the police, who asked them to voluntarily surrender their supplies. A number of websites that had been legally selling the drug as plant food also went offline.

Via EPR Network
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