yellow2 → orange2 → red2 → brown2 → yellow2
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3-CMC
3-Chloromethcathinone
Clophedrone
3-CMC is a synthetic stimulant of the substituted cathinone class, first detected in 2014.citation needed Structurally related to other methcathinone derivatives such as 3-MMC and 4-CMC, it is a halogenated cathinone that produces stimulating and possibly entactogenic effects often compared to those of mephedrone and, to a lesser extent, MDMA and cocaine. Its closest widely known relative is bupropion, which shares the same 1-(3-chlorophenyl)propan-1-one skeleton and differs only at the nitrogen substituent, carrying a tert-butyl group where 3-CMC carries a methyl group. It has been primarily sold online as a designer drug in European markets.
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
Threshold~30 mg
Light30-60 mg
Moderate60-100 mg
Strong100-180 mg
Heavy180+ mg
Dosage information for this substance remains preliminary; users should exercise caution and conduct additional research before use.
Duration
Onset10-30 minutes
Come Up20-60 minutes
Peak1-2 hours
Offset1-2 hours
After Effects3-12 hours
Total2-5 hours
Subjective Effects
Legacy content. A statistically backed ontology from Mindstate Design Labs is coming soon.
3-CMC produces a classic entactogenic stimulant experience frequently compared to mephedrone and 3-MMC, with lesser resemblance to MDMA and cocaine. The experience centers on euphoria, mood lift, increased confidence, and a strong pull toward socializing and talking. Relative to 3-MMC, users consistently describe the effects as weaker and shorter-lasting, which contributes to a pattern of compulsive redosing among some users.
Physical
The body experience is one of energetic stimulation with increased energy and alertness, decreased need for sleep, and suppressed appetite. Sweating, elevated body temperature, dry mouth, jaw tension, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure accompany the stimulation, and sleep patterns are often disturbed for some time after use.
Cognitive
The headspace is euphoric, confident, and highly social, with a marked drive toward conversation and excessive talking. Negative states including anxiety, moodiness, irritability, and aggression can emerge, particularly during the offset or with heavy use, and episodes of psychosis have been associated with cathinone exposure.
Emotional
Enhancements
Visual
Visual effects are not a characteristic feature of the experience; hallucinations are reported primarily as an adverse outcome of heavy use.
Auditory
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
3-CMC acts as both a monoamine releasing agent and reuptake inhibitor at the dopamine transporter (DAT), norepinephrine transporter (NET), and serotonin transporter (SERT).1 In rat brain cell studies, it showed comparable interaction with DAT and NET relative to mephedrone, while interacting significantly less with SERT.citation needed This produces a pharmacological profile that favors dopamine release in proportion to serotonin release.1
Pharmacokinetics
The metabolism of 3-CMC in humans has not been extensively studied.1 Based on the metabolism of structurally similar cathinones, it is expected to undergo hepatic metabolism through oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, and conjugation reactions. A proposed biotransformation pathway predicts the formation of several metabolites including dihydro-3-CMC, N-desmethyl-3-CMC, and N-desmethyl-dihydro-3-CMC.2
Interactions
Interactions not written up yet
An unlisted combination is an unknown one, not a safe one. Check a dedicated combination chart before mixing.
Tolerance
Tolerance timelines are rules of thumb, not exact schedules, and vary widely between individuals and use patterns.
Cross Tolerance
Cathinone stimulants, Dopaminergic stimulants
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
Classified as habit-forming. As a cathinone stimulant, it likely carries psychological addiction potential comparable to related compounds,citation needed though specific data on 3-CMC abuse patterns is lacking.
Psychosis Risk
Episodes of psychosis have been reported as a potential effect, consistent with other cathinone compounds.citation needed Visual and auditory hallucinations are also listed among possible effects.
History & Culture
3-CMC first appeared in 2014, emerging as part of the broader wave of synthetic cathinones entering the European designer drug market during this period.citation needed The substance was primarily sold through online vendors, with initial distribution concentrated in Germany, Poland, the…
Legality
International
European Commission control measures (March 2022)4
By Country
Illegal19
ArgentinaIllegalArgentina lists 3-clorometcatinona in the current Anexo I to Decreto 560/2019, using 3-CMC and 3-cloro-N-metil-catinona as synonyms. Decreto 560/2019 treats substances in Anexo I as estupefacientes for the purposes of article 77 of the Código Penal; the current annex is substituted by Decreto 122/2026.
AustraliaIllegalTherapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard—June 2026) Instrument 2026, Schedule 927
3-CMC (clophedrone) is covered by the Poisons Standard's Schedule 9 entry for cathinones, except where separately specified. Schedule 9 describes prohibited substances as those that may be abused or misused and whose manufacture, possession, sale, or use should be prohibited by law except for approved medical or scientific research or analytical, teaching, or training purposes with Commonwealth and/or state or territory approval.
ChinaIllegal非药用类麻醉药品和精神药品目录 (Catalogue of Non-medicinal Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) item 69, read with 麻醉药品和精神药品管理条例 article 4567
3-CMC is listed as 3-氯甲卡西酮 at item 69 of China's Catalogue of Non-medicinal Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, which gives the chemical name 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methylaminopropan-1-one and CAS number 1049677-59-9. It has been controlled since 1 October 2015, when the annexed Supplementary Catalogue of Controlled Non-medicinal Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances took effect with the Measures for the Control of Non-medicinal Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, and the consolidated Catalogue issued on 21 July 2025 keeps the listing in place. Non-medicinal narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances may be the subject of experimental research under the Regulation on the Control of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, while their production, trading, use, storage, and transport are prohibited. Control covers the substance's salts and stereoisomers and the salts of those stereoisomers.
FinlandIllegalValtioneuvoston asetus huumausaineina pidettävistä aineista, valmisteista ja kasveista (543/2008)19
3-CMC (clophedrone) is expressly listed as 3-Kloorimetkatinoni in the current Finnish Government Decree on substances, preparations and plants deemed narcotics. The decree gives its chemical name as 1-(3-kloorifenyyli)-2-(metyyliamino)propan-1-oni. The decree therefore treats 3-CMC as a narcotic substance in Finland.
FranceIllegalDécision du 05/08/2024 modifiant l'arrêté du 22 février 1990 fixant la liste des substances classées comme stupéfiants11
3-CMC (3-chlorométhcathinone; clophedrone) is classified as a narcotic substance in France. The ANSM decision adds 3-chlorométhcathinone or 3-CMC to Annex III of the arrêté of 22 February 1990. It simultaneously removes the substance from Annex IV, placing it in the narcotics list under the amended arrêté.
GermanyIllegal (analog/blanket ban)3-CMC (clophedrone) is covered by the NpSG's generic group for compounds derived from 2-phenethylamine. The group expressly includes compounds with a cathinone basic structure, permits chlorine substitution on the phenyl ring, and permits methyl substitution at the nitrogen. Section 3 prohibits, among other acts, trade, supply, manufacture, import/export/transit, acquisition, possession, and administration of covered substances, subject to stated exceptions.
JapanIllegalNarcotics and Psychotropics Control Law8
Japan’s official Controlled Substances List expressly lists 3-CMC as a narcotic (N) under the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law. The list identifies N as ‘Narcotic’ and states that salts are also controlled unless marked otherwise. This is a substance-specific listing rather than an inference from a cathinone analogue provision.
NetherlandsIllegalOpiumwet29
3-CMC is expressly listed in Lijst I of the Dutch Opiumwet as 3-chloormethcathinon, with the alternative name clofedron and a chemical description. The Act prohibits importing, exporting, preparing, processing, selling, supplying, transporting, possessing, and manufacturing substances in Lijst I.
NorwayIllegalForskrift om narkotika (FOR-2013-02-14-199), narkotikalisten12
3-CMC is expressly listed as 3-klormetkatinon in Norway's narcotics regulation. The official narcotics list gives the substance the synonym 3-CMC and places it among listed narcotic substances.
PhilippinesIllegalDangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 2, Series of 202530
The Dangerous Drugs Board expressly lists 3-chloromethcathinone (3-CMC) as a dangerous drug in Board Regulation No. 2, Series of 2025, adopted on 24 March 2025. The regulation also classifies compounds, mixtures, and preparations containing it, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers, as dangerous drugs subject to Republic Act No. 9165 and its implementing rules and regulations.
PolandIllegalRozporządzenie Ministra Zdrowia z 30 kwietnia 2025 r. zmieniające rozporządzenie w sprawie wykazu substancji psychotropowych, środków odurzających oraz nowych substancji psychoaktywnych (Dz. U. 2025 poz. 598)1314
3-CMC is listed as a Group II-P psychotropic substance under the Minister of Health's controlled-substances regulation. The listing identifies it as 3-chloromethcathinone (klofedron) and gives the chemical designation 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)propan-1-one. The 2025 amendment moves it from Group I-P to Group II-P; the underlying anti-drug law limits Group II-P substances to medical, industrial, or research purposes.
RussiaIllegalThe current official Schedule I lists methcathinone (ephedrone) and its derivatives, except derivatives separately listed, and defines Schedule I as substances whose circulation in the Russian Federation is prohibited. The EU Official Journal identifies 3-CMC as 3-chloromethcathinone; it is therefore treated as a methcathinone derivative under that Schedule I entry rather than only under Russia's general analogue rule.
SingaporeIllegalMisuse of Drugs Act 1973, First Schedule, Class A drugs, paragraph 16(8AC)28
3-CMC is expressly listed as 1-(3-Chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)propan-1-one, also known as 3-chloromethcathinone or 3-CMC, in the First Schedule's Class A drugs. The Act defines a controlled drug as a substance specified in Part 1, 2 or 3 of that Schedule. The listing takes effect on 1 June 2024.
South KoreaIllegal (analog/blanket ban)Enforcement Decree of the Narcotics Control Act (마약류 관리에 관한 법률 시행령), Appendix 331
South Korea’s Enforcement Decree places methcathinone and its analogues in Appendix 3, the schedule for psychotropic drugs under Article 2(3)(a). The analogue definition permits a substituted phenyl ring bearing halogen substituents, alongside the specified methcathinone core and substituents. 3-CMC (3-chloromethcathinone) is therefore covered through this structural analogue entry rather than by a substance-specific name.
SwedenIllegal3-CMC (clophedrone) is expressly listed in Annex 1 as 1-(3-klorofenyl)-2-(metylamino)propan-1-on, with the names 3-klorometkatinon and 3-CMC. The regulation provides that substances in Annex 1 are considered narcotics under the Narcotic Drugs Punishments Act. That Act criminalizes unauthorized transfer, manufacture, acquisition, handling, possession, and use of narcotics, with separate provisions covering unauthorized import and export.
SwitzerlandIllegal (analog/blanket ban)Betäubungsmittelverzeichnisverordnung (BetmVV-EDI), Anhang 6, Verzeichnis e, Nr. 132
3-CMC (clophedrone) is covered as a cathinone in Verzeichnis e of the BetmVV-EDI. The provision covers substances derived from 2-amino-1-phenyl-1-propanone with phenyl-ring halide substitution and N-alkyl substitution, which describes 3-CMC's 3-chloro and N-methyl structure. The provision excludes private use from its industrial-use exemption.
ThailandIllegalMinisterial Notification Re: Specifying Names of Category 1 Narcotics (No. 4), B.E. 2568 (2025)23
Thailand's Ministry of Public Health lists 3-chloromethcathinone (3-CMC) as a Category 1 narcotic in the current notification. The listing gives the chemical name 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)propan-1-one and CAS No. 1049677-59-9. It also extends to substances with the same chemical structure, stereoisomers, salts, esters, and ethers, subject to the notification's stated analytical-quality-control exception.
UkraineIllegalResolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 770 of 6 May 2000, On Approval of the List of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors22
3-CMC is listed in Table I, List No. 2 of Ukraine’s official controlled-substances list. The list identifies it by the chemical name 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)propan-1-one. List No. 2 is headed ‘Especially dangerous psychotropic substances, circulation of which is prohibited.’
United KingdomIllegal (analog/blanket ban)Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Schedule 2, Part II, paragraph 1(aa)34
3-CMC (clophedrone) is covered as a Class B drug by the Act's generic cathinone definition. That definition covers compounds structurally derived from 2-amino-1-phenyl-1-propanone with a halide substitution in the phenyl ring, subject to listed exceptions that do not include 3-CMC. The Act also extends Class B coverage to specified stereoisomers, salts, and preparations.
Controlled / restricted2
European UnionRestrictedCouncil Framework Decision 2004/757/JHA, Annex point 21, as amended by Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2022/13261633
EU law lists 3-CMC in the Framework Decision’s definition of ‘drug’. Member States must make specified unlicensed trafficking conduct involving drugs punishable; conduct exclusively for personal consumption is outside the Framework Decision’s scope as defined by national law. Delegated Directive (EU) 2022/1326 required transposition by 18 February 2023; Denmark is not bound by that Directive.
SpainRestrictedOrden SND/884/2024 expressly transferred 1-(3-clorofenil)-2-(metilamino)propan-1-ona (3-clorometcatinona, 3-CMC), including its stereochemical variants, racemates, and salts where possible, from List I to List II. The current consolidated Real Decreto 2829/1977 retains the exact substance in List II. It is therefore subject to the decree's List-II authorization and control regime, rather than the List-I prohibition in Article 2.
References
Source Pages
Citations
Further Reading
EMCDDA: Initial Report on 3-CMC (2022)
EMCDDA: Risk Assessment Report on 3-CMC (2021)
Metabolism of 3-CMC in human dried blood spots (2024)
Synthetic Cathinones and Neurotoxicity Risks: A Systematic Review (DOI)- Walther et al. 2019 - Structure-Activity Studies on Methcathinones (DOI)
WHO 46th ECDD Critical Review: 3-CMC (2024)
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