Binging on drug checking data

Berlin recently launched a public drug checking service — an admirable first for Germany. What can the data unveil? This talk aims to elevate your mental state towards clarity over party drug trends in 2024 by serving a mix of Berlin’s drug testing data – both public and unpublished – with a few potent adulterants: Snazzy info graphics, shoddy code and a bunch of original research. Observe badly copy-pasted tag soup transform into beautiful and impactful open-eye visuals. Watch sales terms purportedly specifying precise chemical formulas exposed as mere smoke and mirrors, and find even names derived from each other labeling vastly different things. See patterns revealed and dots connected, like how an international interplay of both draconian and liberal legal frameworks created a perfect storm of unintended, risky consequences – or on the other hand, how the absence of reliable data creates a breeding ground for the viral spread of irrational fears. See through falsehoods regularly published on these topics in the press. Before this risks turning into a bad trip, find zen with some practical risk management tips and pointers to helpful support services. In less poetic terms, I’ll be covering recent trends regarding these psychoactive substances: Ecstasy & “blue punishers”, cocaine, fentanyl, mephedrone, 3-MMC, 2C-B, “tusi”, “monkey dust” and more.