Has the New Cocaine Arrived?
The synthetic stimulant 3-MMC is gaining popularity in European and American club scenes as a 'functional' drug that enhances both partying and productivity. Despite being a controlled substance in many regions, its ease of production and stealthy effects have led to widespread use.
Why it matters
The rise of designer drugs that mimic traditional stimulants poses new challenges for public health, drug regulation, and workplace safety.
Playboy and Michelle Lhooq Jul 22, 2026 120 11 16 Share Photography by Ewen Spencer This story appears in our Summer 2026 issue, on newsstands July 28. Want us to come to your place? Become a member to get digital access to the issue and early access to paywalled content.
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