​The Loop issues warnings over “super strength pills” ahead of Glastonbury

The Loop have issued warnings over “super strength pills” in circulation around the UK ahead of Glastonbury Festival 2024.

Pills containing up to three times an average dose of MDMA have been found in tested samples by harm reduction organisation The Loop, said to be potentially fatal (per The Guardian).

The Loop launched a campaign called #SizeMatters earlier today (June 25), drawing attention to “the return of high-strength ecstasy pills, which are also often bigger in size”.

Of the 150+ products sold as MDMA by The Loop this year, it found that the average strength of pills has “significantly increased” back to the pre-pandemic levels.

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An average strength of more than 180mg per pill was discovered, while one in ten pills had a strength of more than 250mg - around three times an average dose of MDMA.

“Total pill weight can be a simple indicator of high-strength pills and flag up the need for extra caution,” The Loop explained on Instagram.

“Timely and context-specific harm reduction communications are extremely important this summer, especially given wider concerns about drug market adulteration.”

The Loop also advised on harm reduction, explaining that “bigger pills are likely to be stronger pills”. They advised to take a quarter to begin, sip water, avoid redosing for more than 90 minutes, and seek medical attention if feeling unwell.

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The warnings come ahead of Glastonbury Festival, which kicks off this week from June 26 - 30. The festival has not currently issued a warning on high-strength pills, but retains its stance on drug use: “The use of illegal drugs is not condoned by Glastonbury Festival.”

We’ve listed some helpful resources below.

Pill Report is a harm reduction and information service offering drug testing kits, ear protection, and more. Find out more about them here.

The Loop is a non-profit NGO promoting harm reduction, health & wellbeing through drug checking, staff training, information & advice. Find out more about them here, and donate to The Loop's Just Giving page, which will assist in the purchase of testing equipment and the ability to run labs in more locations.

WEDINOS is a harm reduction project providing an anonymous service, and reflects trends in substance use. Find out more about them here.

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