4 ms·

Isn't this more of a DEA issue than an FDA issue? Selling a controlled substance in large quantities is a felony. Even if you pretend it's not. You can't get a

• benbreen 12y ago
  ß-methylphenylethylamine isn't actually a controlled substance, though, or at least it occupies the same grey area as many other so-called "research chemicals." It's an open question whether a substance like this falls under the Analog Act or not (which bans chemicals which are "substantially similar" to scheduled illicit drugs, but the language is loose enough that chemists can substitute a molecule or two and argue that it doesn't qualify). I find the whole issue fascinating - it's almost like a new era of alchemy.
• girvo 12y ago
  The analog act is a difficult act to prosecute under, which is why you see analogs often banned directly rather than prosecuted under it. BMPEA isn't an analog of a banned substance, either, at least it's far more removed than other chemicals[0]. Calling it an "amphetamine" is a bit of a scare tactic, although it certainly isn't a nice chemical and it should've been marketed exactly as it was, not claimed to be a "herbal extract". Frankly, they should be able to nail them under that marketing premise instead. EDIT: [0] Actually, I take that back. It's far closer to amphetamine than DMAA was, which makes this rather interesting actually.
  • sukilot 12y ago
    "Herbal" is a complete misdirection word that tells you nothing about the toxicity of a substance.