Last Updated: June 23, 2019

By: Rachel Clark, DanceSafe Intern

An off-white/light yellow tab with a hot air balloon print on it was sold as something “similar to LSD” in San Francisco, CA, but tested as DOC. The sample was both sourced in and submitted from San Francisco, CA.

When tested with a reagent kit, the tab produced inconclusive (possibly yellow) color changes with Marquis and Mecke, no reaction with Mandelin, and a very slight change in color (not distinctly purple) with Ehrlich’s. The sender noted that this tab had caused them to feel “speedy” and the trip had lasted over 20 hours. This is a common profile of DOx family drugs: Long duration, “speedier” high, and sold as something that is supposedly similar in sensation to LSD.

DOx substances have a strong bitter taste, and can take up to four hours to begin taking effect, leading users to believe that the dose was inactive. Caution should be exercised when consuming DOC – it is not uncommon for users to consume additional tabs under the assumption that the first was ineffective, leading to potential overdoses and uncomfortable experiences.

When ingesting DOC, it is important to allocate sufficient time for the full duration of the drug’s effects, which can last for well over a full day. Additionally, DOC should not be consumed by individuals taking SSRIs, MAOIs, stimulants, or antipsychotic medications, due to the risk of serotonin syndrome and lowered seizure threshold.

We urge our community to keep in mind that drug markets are expansive and that this DOC tab may appear in places other than its source and submission location. Test before you ingest to avoid taking misrepresented substances, and so you can adjust your intention, set, and setting appropriately to minimize risks. You can purchase your DanceSafe test kit here.

The purpose of #TestIt Alerts is to alert the public to misrepresented substances circulating in their region. We neither condemn nor condone drug use, but rather want people to be aware of what they are ingesting so they can take steps to minimize risks.

Since 1998, DanceSafe has been keeping the electronic music and nightlife communities safe. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide free harm reduction services at music festivals and nightlife events across the nation. All proceeds from the sales of our drug checking kits go back into the organization so we can continue to provide our services to our communities for free. By purchasing a kit, you are not only helping keep you and your friends safe, you are also contributing to the harm reduction movement. Thank you for your support!