-liquid sales being a lucrative business, the ban has been difficult to enforce.

Drug Users Find Loopholes in Tightening Prohibition Policies, Putting Their Health at Risk

As governments around the world continue to tighten their policies on drugs, users are finding ways to circumvent the law and continue using. However, this often comes at a great cost to their own health. In fact, there seems to be a direct correlation between strict state control and the development of dangerous alternative substances.

In many cases, opportunists take advantage of the lack of efficient state apparatuses and launch unsafe drugs onto the illegal market. This is currently happening in Asia, where more and more countries are reporting cases of etomidate use, also known as “zombie juice.” According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), this highly addictive compound has been found in e-liquids for vaping in China, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, Macau, Indonesia, and Malaysia, and is now spreading to other continents. Other sources also suggest that etomidate use is becoming a public health issue in Japan.

What is Etomidate?

Etomidate is a fast-acting intravenous anesthetic commonly used in clinical settings. While it is used to induce general anesthesia by suppressing central nervous system activity, its exact mechanisms are not fully understood. However, its side effects are well-documented and include pain, nausea, hallucinations, amnesia, disorientation, numbness of the extremities, and adrenal dysfunction. When used without professional supervision, it is also highly addictive.

A 2024 study found that chronic etomidate overdose can lead to irreversible brain damage, mental disorders, behavioral issues, and even death. Its effects on motor control and seizures have earned it the nickname “zombie juice.” Recreational users have also reported tremors, memory loss, fainting, and even death.

Today, etomidate has transcended its medical use and has made its way into the illegal drug market. It is often mixed into e-liquid capsules for vaping and goes by various names such as kpods, space oil, laughing gas, and zombie juice. These products are easily accessible through social media and encrypted messaging platforms, making them popular among a young user base.

One particularly alarming trend seen across the continent is that many users do not intentionally take etomidate, but rather mistake it for other substances such as ketamine, cannabis, or nicotine. This risk is heightened by the fact that these adulterated cartridges are virtually indistinguishable from normal ones.

Authorities Struggle to Control Etomidate Use

In response to the growing use of etomidate, authorities typically implement strict bans and penalties, including reclassification, heavy fines, long prison sentences, and even physical punishment. However, as seen with other substances, these measures are often not enough. For example, China has attempted to ban etomidate multiple times, but the lucrative business of e-liquid sales has made it difficult to enforce the ban.

 

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