Introduction

The resurgence of interest in serotonergic psychedelics (SPs) such as LSD, psilocybin, and 2C-B for scientific and therapeutic purposes brings to the forefront the importance of harm reduction and the need for accurate drug checking.

Findings

Despite the comparably low, yet increasing, submission and detection rates of SPs in drug checking samples, a significant concern arises from the detection of adulterations or analogues, often novel SPs with unknown or potentially harmful toxicological profiles.

Challenges and Implications

The presence of these adulterants not only complicates the landscape of SP use but also elevates the potential risks, including life-threatening effects for individuals exploring these substances. This complexity is further amplified by the technical challenges faced by DC services, as the detection of SPs demands advanced analytical techniques that are not readily available to most DC operations.

Role of Drug Checking

The study's findings highlight the indispensable role of DC as a harm reduction tool, particularly if equipped with highly sensitive analytical methods capable of identifying a broad spectrum of SPs and their adulterants. By ensuring the purity and safety of psychedelic substances, DC services contribute significantly to mitigating the risks associated with their use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evolving dynamics of the serotonergic psychedelic market underscore the critical need for effective drug checking as a cornerstone of psychedelic harm reduction. Advanced analytical capabilities in DC can significantly enhance the safety of SP users by providing accurate substance identification, ultimately fostering a safer environment for the exploration of psychedelics' therapeutic potential.