Other reagents, used in the appropriate order, can provide further information as to whether other compounds, desirable or otherwise, are present. It just so happens it gives a distinctive colour change in the presence of MDMA or “ecstasy”, turning a dark purple or black in the presence of that drug. He developed a colour test to determine the presence of certain chemical groups. Most drug testing kits available use the Marquis test, developed in the late 19th century by Eduard Marquis, a Russian chemist. Unlike in the US, where any paraphernalia potentially associated with drug consumption can be grounds for prosecution, they’re not illegal to possess in Australia, in the absence of concomitant illicit drug possession. In most cases, this takes the form of reagent test kits – simple colour-changing kits that retail online for between $A20-50. Intuitively understanding the importance of testing drugs in the modern market, and in the absence of any more sophisticated options, they’re resorting to what they can access themselves. In the resultant policy vacuum, consumers are now taking issues into their own hands. The consensus of alcohol and drug experts at the Parliamentary Drug Summit in Canberra in April this year was that a trial of drug checking at music festivals should proceed as “a matter of priority”.ĭespite this, Australian law enforcement and elected officials alike remain concerned that such an undertaking sends the “wrong message” to both consumers and presumably more importantly, their electorate. Attention has inevitably turned again to the issue of “pill testing” or “drug checking”, to inform drug users of the substances they’re ingesting. Previous year's events have included Reddit AMAs, YouTube seminars and online giveaways.Īlways use quality testing kits to stay safe and test the composition, potency, and purity of your drugs.The latest spate of drug overdoses in Queensland has fulfilled the predictions of many health experts in Australia of a summer of multiple overdoses of unknown substances. International Drug Checking Day is celebrated through various events and activities, including educational workshops, outreach campaigns, and advocacy efforts. What To Expect On International Drug Checking Day The Reagent Testing movement was born from /r/drugs/, while the organising body defines their objective as “not only the testing of substances but also hope to remind people to test their knowledge about drugs and their effects.” Members of the coalition behind Drug Checking Day have stated their focus is as much on recreational drug users as it is on dependent individuals. The Reagent kits can identify chemicals present in a wide range of street drugs, including MDMA, cocaine, methamphetamines, methadone and ecstasy. Drug Testing Reagents are chemical solutions that change in colour when applied to a chemical compound and can help identify the presence of other chemicals in a given sample. Launched in 2017 by the team behind Reagent Testing, International Drug Checking Day is part of a broader movement focused on harm reduction in response to the many failed policies of global drug prohibition. Alongside educating the public, the event hopes to help governmental associations find solutions to the drug problems faced by their citizens. The day raises awareness about drug testing, drug checking, and testing public knowledge about drugs and the dangers involved in using drugs. The event is coordinated by a diverse group of over sixteen worldwide organisations dedicated to promoting drug safety, and previous years' events have included massive giveaways, Reddit AMAs, and YouTube videos, all aimed at spreading the word. This information can help people who use drugs to make safer and more informed decisions about their substance use, to avoid harmful substances, and adjust their dosages. Drug checking, also known as pill testing, analyses a drug sample to determine its composition, purity and potency. The goal of International Drug Checking Day is ultimately to promote the practice of safe drug checking and help the public better understand the dangers of drug use but to increase public access to services aimed at reducing the suffering caused by drug abuse. Furthermore, the day aims to spread awareness of worldwide drug checking and testing services and organisations. Since its inaugural year, the day has been set aside on the calendar to raise awareness of the potential harms of drug use and to promote initiatives aimed at reducing harms associated with the misuse of drugs. Friday, March 31st, sees the return of International Drug Checking Day, marking the seventh consecutive year of the event, which started in 2017.
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