Comparison of strength and adulteration between illicit drugs obtained from cryptomarkets versus off-line

Original research
par
Coney, Leigh et al

Date de publication

2024

Géographie

International

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Oui

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Oui

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

Drugs sold on cryptomarkets are thought to have lower levels of adulteration and higher strength compared with those sourced off-line. The present study aimed to determine whether cryptomarkets and off-line-sourced MDMA, cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine and LSD differed in adulteration and strength.

Constatations/points à retenir

The relationship between on-line drug market-places and substance quality varies depending on both the specific substance and the dynamics of the cryptomarket.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

A between-groups design was used. Regression analyses controlling for year and service were conducted. Drug-checking services were conducted in Spain (Energy Control) and the Netherlands (Drugs Information and Monitoring System). Drugs were measured for (1) matching the advertised substance (i.e. containing any amount of the expected substance); (2) strength; (3) presence of adulteration; and (4) number of adulterants.

Mots clés

Drug checking
Illegal drugs
Hallucinogens/psychedelics
Stimulants