Drug candy, scientifically known as dimethyl (methylenedioxy) phenethylamine, is also referred to as ecstasy – a synthetic drug that induces hallucinations.
Dr. Tran Thi Hong Thu, Deputy Director of Mai Huong Daytime Psychiatric Hospital, stated that this type of candy is also known as MDMA, formulated in the form of tablets or capsules weighing approximately 0.3 g each, which are consumed like candy.
A few days ago, a group of 10th-grade students from Hoanh Bo High School tested positive for drugs after accidentally consuming a strange type of candy. The Quang Ninh police identified that this candy originated from the United States, extracted from cannabis, and should only be used under a doctor’s prescription. The packaging indicates that the product Nerds Rope contains 400 mg of THC per package, along with warnings “for medical use only” and “keep out of reach of children and pets.”
Nerds Rope product containing 400 THC is considered a form of drug candy. (Illustrative image).
Dr. Thu mentioned that drug candy comes in various forms, mixed into foods, not only in candy but also particularly in teas, pastries, and more. The product Nerds Rope containing 400 THC is classified as a form of drug candy. “THC is cannabis, used only for medical purposes in permitted doses. Its presence on the market is illegal,” she stated.
According to Dr. Thu, the components in this candy are synthetic drugs including amphetamine-like substances and some hallucinogens. Amphetamine-like substances are a group of stimulants that affect the brain and central nervous system. These substances can cause hallucinations, making users see, hear, feel, or smell things that do not exist in reality. This type of candy is also known as “party candy,” “ecstasy,” and sometimes disguised within the candy itself, packaged and sold on the market in white, red, or blue pills.
The effects of drug candy on users depend on the dosage, height, weight, health condition, psychological state, prior experiences with use, whether combined with other addictive substances, whether used alone or with others, and whether used at home or in social settings.
In small doses, this addictive substance takes effect within an hour and lasts about 6 hours, with some effects potentially lasting up to 32 hours. Users may feel relaxed, confident, closer to others, affectionate, and friendly, with increased energy, but may also experience anxiety and thirst. In larger doses, drug candy can increase heart rate, raise blood pressure, cause sweating, lead to dehydration, teeth grinding, and nausea. High doses can result in hallucinations, feelings of floating, bizarre behavior, seizures, and vomiting.
After several days of cessation, when the drug has been completely eliminated, symptoms of intoxication may still persist, including loss of appetite, insomnia, depression, muscle pain, and difficulty concentrating.
To date, the long-term effects of using drug candy are not fully known. Potential effects may include damage to vital organs such as the liver, heart, and brain. Prolonged use increases the body’s tolerance to this drug, meaning that continuous use with increasing doses is required to achieve the desired effect, whereas previously only a small amount was needed. In other words, as usage increases, discomfort also rises while the pleasure derived from the drug diminishes.
Overdose or adverse reactions may occur. Overdose can cause high blood pressure, increased heart rate, significantly elevated body temperature, and even death due to excessive heat and rapid dehydration. To avoid dehydration, users must drink 250 ml of water every hour; if they are dancing, they need to drink 500 ml of water per hour.
Some individuals also combine drug candy with other addictive substances such as alcohol or cannabis. In reality, such combinations can be very dangerous. For example, combining synthetic drugs with cocaine enhances the effects on the heart, increasing feelings of anxiety and panic in users. Using drug candy along with other hallucinogens can lead to psychosis, where users hear sounds, see images that others do not, or fear being harmed.
In pregnant women, most addictive substances affect the fetus. Using drug candy while operating a vehicle greatly increases the risk of accidents.
In Vietnam, the use, organization of use, production, trading, transportation, and storage of drug candy is illegal. Offenders may be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.
