One of the most common additives used for cutting meth is the chemical methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). It is typically cut with adulterants that have no additional effect on users, instead, it just lowers the actual amount of methamphetamine in what’s sold. The meth that is sold on the streets isn’t cut in the same manner as other drugs like heroin and cocaine by the manufacturers. In other words, if they can by a kilogram of meth, cut it with a substance, and then sell one and a half kilograms, their profit is bigger. Dealers do this to increase the weight of the meth so they can make more money from selling it. At each step along the way, a dealer can alter the drug by “cutting” it, or mixing in additives. By the time meth is purchased by the person who intends to use it, it’s likely passed through many hands, starting with the actual manufacturer and then through various dealers.
These additives can be anything from sugars to milk powders, to other drugs or substances – anything that looks like methamphetamine. The methamphetamine that is sold on the streets today isn’t just dangerous in itself, it frequently contains additives that can make it even more damaging to the body.
