Nearly 50% of drugs given "warning" in new Berlin testing scheme

Between 30% and 50% of drugs tested in Berlin’s new free and anonymous drug testing programme have had warnings issued against them, RBB reports.

Drugs deemed “dangerous” or “stretched” (containing other drugs) are listed on the project website, which also includes warnings against potential contaminations with other drugs, high dosages, or unknown substances.

In the first two months since the service was first launched, a total of 428 drug samples have been tested at a rate of 47 samples a week, according to the Senate Department for Health.

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The drug testing service was introduced in June to minimise the risk of drug-taking, and to analyse drug-taking habits in Berlin. The scheme is carried out by The State Institute for Forensic and Social Medicine with three advice centres open across the city.

Drugs that can be tested - both free and anonymously - for their composition and purity include cannabis, ecstasy, speed, cocaine and LSD.

The programme has proved extremely popular, RBB reported on Monday, and has been met with high demand since its launch. A spokesman for the Senate administration explained that demand has exceeded the existing capacities of each centre, which has resulted in “around 380 potential users” being turned away.

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However, tens of warnings have been issued against some drugs tested in the scheme, which are currently being investigated and listed on the test scheme website. The warning rates have fluctuated between 30% and 50% during the testing programme’s first two months.

The scheme was set up in June aimed at both frequent substance users and addicts as well as those who take drugs while partying, the Senate Department for Health explained. When tested, results are returned three days after submission, which are then sent over to the appropriate counselling centre.

[Via RBB]

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter