Synthetic Cathinones: What You Need to Know About the UK’s Latest Drug Report

Synthetic cathinones—commonly known as “bath salts” or, more infamously, as “monkey dust”—have been a growing concern in certain parts of the UK. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) recently released an updated assessment on these substances, highlighting their risks and making recommendations on how best to tackle their harms. So, what does the report say, and what does it mean for the future? Let’s break it down.

What Are Synthetic Cathinones?

First, a quick refresher. Synthetic cathinones are stimulant drugs chemically related to cathinone, a naturally occurring substance found in the khat plant. They can have effects similar to amphetamines or MDMA, leading to euphoria, increased energy, and, in some cases, severe agitation or paranoia.

You might remember mephedrone (“meow meow”) from the headlines in the late 2000s. While its use has significantly declined since being banned in 2010, other synthetic cathinones have emerged, some of which are proving to be even more harmful.

Key Takeaways from the ACMD Report

The new ACMD assessment sheds light on the current state of synthetic cathinone use in the UK, and the findings are a mixed bag.

1. Overall Use Has Dropped—But Not Everywhere

Since strict controls were introduced, the general use of synthetic cathinones across the UK has declined. Fewer people are using these drugs compared to the peak of mephedrone’s popularity. However, this doesn’t mean the problem has disappeared.

In fact, some regions—particularly North Staffordshire—are still grappling with a serious issue, especially with a specific cathinone called MDPHP (3’,4’-Methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinohexiophenone). Locally, it’s been linked to extreme behavioural effects, severe health risks, and social disturbances.

2. Some Variants Are Especially Dangerous

Not all synthetic cathinones are created equal. The report highlights that pyrrolidino-cathinones (like MDPHP) are particularly potent and can have severe effects on users. These substances stimulate the central nervous system aggressively, increasing the risk of psychosis, erratic behaviour, and even life-threatening health complications.

3. Calls for Stronger Legal Definitions

Right now, all synthetic cathinones are classified as Class B drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Some have argued that the more dangerous variants should be upgraded to Class A—which would mean tougher penalties for possession and supply—but the ACMD isn’t recommending this at the moment.

Instead, they suggest updating legal definitions to ensure that newly emerging synthetic cathinones don’t slip through loopholes. This would help law enforcement and policymakers stay ahead of developments in drug chemistry.

4. Public Health Response Needed in Hotspots

Since the problem is more severe in certain areas, the ACMD suggests that targeted public health measures—not just law enforcement—should play a key role in tackling synthetic cathinone-related harms. This means:

• Better treatment services for those struggling with addiction.

• Stronger community education to prevent use in the first place.

• Support for affected individuals to help reduce drug-related harm.

This approach recognises that simply banning a substance doesn’t always stop people from using it. Instead, a combination of legal controls and health-based interventions is needed to address the root causes of addiction.

So, What’s Next?

The ACMD’s report makes it clear that while synthetic cathinone use has decreased nationwide, certain areas remain heavily affected, and some of these substances are more dangerous than others. The UK government now has to decide whether to act on these recommendations—especially when it comes to tightening legal definitions and improving support services.

For now, the message is clear: the problem isn’t gone, and a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. Policymakers, health professionals, and local communities will need to work together to tackle the harms associated with these drugs.

If you’re in an area impacted by synthetic cathinones, or if you work in substance use support, it’s worth keeping an eye on what happens next—because the way we handle this issue will shape drug policy and public health responses for years to come.