Is Dimethocaine Legal?

Yes. Dimethocaine (DMC) is a synthetic derivative of cocaine and may be a substitute for legal cocaine in some countries. DMC has a chemical structure of an ester of 4-aminobenzoic acid, similar to the ester of procaine. But it produces stimulant effects and is also addictive because it stimulates the brain's reward pathways. DMC was early marketed as a local anesthetic for use in dentistry and ophthalmology. In addition to its local anesthetic effects, DMC also has effects on the central nervous system acting as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor. DMC is distributed and consumed as a "new psychoactive substance" (NPS) without any safety testing. Although it is legal in some areas, it is gradually being phased out due to its psychoactive effects and addiction risks. On September 25, 2019, the Swedish Public Health Agency recommended that dimethocaine be classified as a harmful substance.

References:

[1] MARKUS R. MEYER. Dimethocaine, a synthetic cocaine analogue: studies on its in-vivo metabolism and its detectability in urine by means of a rat model and liquid chromatography–linear ion-trap (high-resolution) mass spectrometry[J]. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2014, 406 7: 1845-1854. DOI:10.1007/s00216-013-7539-0.

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