N-Methyl-2-Aminoindane (NM-2-AI) is The Latest Drug to Come to Market

On average, one new synthetic drug comes to the black market. These drugs are often referred to as Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in the medical community, Research Chemicals (RC) in the drug using crowd, or “Legal Highs” by some lay people.

No matter what you call it, it is concerning that so many of these new drugs are coming to the market so quickly. This week’s newest drug coming to the black market is a drug called N-Methyl-2-Aminoindane (NM-2-AI). 2-aminoindane is a cyclic analogue of amphetamine (a CNS Stimulant). DEA TOX received cohorts of urine specimens in April 2021 from three states (CA - 25, MN - 25, and ID - 2 OD cases). “NM-2-AI was confirmed and quantified in eight of the samples submitted. In these same eight samples, methamphetamine was also identified. The major substances detected in the cohorts collectively included 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC, methamphetamine, amphetamine, and morphine. The other NPS confirmed include ethylamphetamine, buphedrone, NRG-3, acetylfentanyl, 4CN-AMB-BUTINACA, MEPIRAPIM, and flualprazolam.”

Signs and Symptoms of N-Methyl-2-Aminoindane (NM-2-AI)

People under the influence of NM-2-AI will present as someone who is under the influence of a CNS Stimulant. Expect to see dilated pupils, a fast pulse, rapid speech and hyperactivity. Below is a handy chart that shows common signs and symptoms of CNS Stimulant use.

Legal Status, User Profile and Availability

NM-2-AI is not scheduled currently. It is easily obtained on the open web. A quick Google search revealed several sources online to purchase it, including a notorious Chinese manufacturer that is pumping these types of drugs into the United States and other countries. The typical user will be a young male that orders it through the internet or through the dark web.