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The second episode in the Netflix series ‘The Business of Drugs’ covers synthetics — drugs made from synthetic substances.
The Godfather of Ecstasy
Amaryllis Fox introduces the episode by acknowledging Dr Alexander Shulgin. When he was working as a chemist in the 1960s he conducted research and carried out experiments on the creation of synthetic substances. He later became known as ‘The Godfather of Ecstasy’.
Dr Shulgin also synthesised other psychedelic drugs which he tested on himself. Even though his original purpose for manufacturing MDMA was the therapeutic treatment of conditions such as PTSD, it was classified as an illegal substance in 1985.
There was a frightening knock-on effect after these drugs were classed as illegal — other copycat drugs soon started to flood the market. However, these new drugs were not intended for medicinal use — they were purely recreational.
Experimentation
Estimates show there are currently over 800 synthetic drugs on the market. Without sufficient lab controls, the effects of these drugs can vary tremendously. The users are in effect guinea pigs for these substances.
Amaryllis interviewed individuals called ‘psychonauts’ — psychedelic thrill seekers. These are people who want to try new drugs which haven’t yet been tested or researched, simply for the thrill of out-of-body and out-of-mind experiences.
Another dangerous drug highlighted in this episode was synthetic cannabis, known as ‘spice’. Many people that use this drug are likened to zombies — they fall into a trancelike state, moaning and shuffling about with slow limbs and lifeless eyes.
Synthetic Drugs Trade
Buying synthetic drugs is apparently very easy. Buyers and sellers can do business on the Internet and these products flow undetected throughout the worldwide postal service. The fact that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are the general transaction method of buying and selling makes it very difficult to trace product origins.
One major point that this episode highlighted was that synthetic drugs were originally intended for use in a variety of therapies. As they became over-regulated, they were driven underground which has led to synthetic drug abuse. They were never intended to be used in a recreational setting, but sadly that is how their use has evolved.
Coming next, episode 3 — ‘The Business of Drugs: Heroin’.
Drug Addiction Resources
Dealing with Addiction
Providing the facts about substance abuse, gambling, gaming & other psychological addictions. Addresses ways to help people recover from addiction.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 1999
- Last revised: 2021
- Pages: 83