Max HeyraudThe HSE is warning festival-goers in Ireland about a number of drug-market trends ahead of this weekend’s events.
3-CMC has been found to be sold as MDMA at Electric Picnic, while high-strength MDMA remains a concern. Pills and powders can contain significantly different amounts of active substances, making their contents difficult to predict.
The HSE is also monitoring pink powders, which can contain unknown mixtures of drugs rather than a single substance. Across Europe, authorities are monitoring reports of PMMA being found in products sold as MDMA, with the HSE asking people to submit MDMA pills and powders for analysis through its festival drug-checking programme.
Another concern is synthetic cannabinoids, which can be sold as herbal products, vapes or edibles and may contain unpredictable substances.
The HSE advises anyone who chooses to take drugs to avoid mixing substances, take extra care with high-strength products and seek medical help immediately if someone becomes unwell.
Festival-goers can anonymously surrender pills and powders for analysis at participating HSE drug-checking services, helping identify new risks in Ireland’s nightlife scene.
Start low and go slow: if you choose to take drugs, start with a small amount.
Get your drugs checked: you can safely drop a sample at the HSE Drugs.ie tent for analysis.
If something feels unusual, get help: head to the HSE Drugs.ie tent. You can seek support safely and without judgement.
