Designer drugs are synthetic analogs of illegal substances that are modified slightly to circumvent drug laws but produce similar effects. They emerged in the 1900s and gained popularity in the 1960s-1990s, especially in clubs. Examples include synthetic stimulants like bath salts, synthetic cannabinoids like Spice, and synthetic hallucinogens. Designer drugs are marketed as "not for human consumption" but their vague wording and constant modifications allow unlimited manufacturing until they are eventually made illegal through legislation.

1. Designer Drugs

2. What are Designer Drugs?
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A synthetic analog or derivative of a substance that is
illegal
These drugs are designed by modifying molecular
structure which produce similar effects for the user
These are drugs that are made and marketed in an
attempt to get around current drug laws
There are examples of designer drugs for multiple drug
categories
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Stimulants
Opioids
Hallucinogens
Depressants
Steroids

3. History
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Important to note that DDs can be traced from 1900’s
1960’s and synthetic hallucinogens
Designer drugs regained popularity in the late 1980’s and
1990’s due to the club scene
Increase in designer drugs and their availability

4. Types of DDs
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Examples
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Synthetic stimulants: Bath Salts (Meow)
Synthetic cannabinoids: Spice; K2
Synthetic hallucinogens: 2C-I (smiles); 2C-E
Blended: Cat; Double Stack (PMA); Eve; Sparkle
Opioids

5. Availability
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How does it work?
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1986 analog act
Ways marketed
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Vague wording
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Not for human consumption”
Unlimited manufacturing possibilities
Eventually become illegal
Recent legislation

6. Availability

How does it work?


1986 analog act
Ways marketed



Vague wording


Not for human consumption”
Unlimited manufacturing possibilities
Eventually become illegal
Recent legislation