Q. Consider the following statements with reference to Mephedrone (MD):
1.It is a synthetic stimulant belonging to the cathinone class of psychoactive substances.
2.Mephedrone is extracted from the leaves of the khat (Catha edulis) plant and is legally cultivated in India for pharmaceutical purposes under licence.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation: 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone or 4-MMC) is a synthetic cathinone with stimulant properties. It is a psychotropic substance controlled under the NDPS Act, 1985, and is commonly known as “Meow Meow” or “MCAT” in illicit drug markets.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Mephedrone is not extracted from the khat plant. It is entirely synthetic, although it is chemically related to cathinone, the naturally occurring stimulant found in khat (Catha edulis). It is not legally cultivated or extracted from plants in India.
Source: PIB
