Thank you to Alison Bell @somersetccc.bsky.social for supporting #drugchecking. The more DPHs who support this, the quicker we can achieve universal access to drug checking services across the UK & the quicker we can tackle drug-related death rates.
#drugchecking can be the canary in the coalmine 🔔
What does our testing show?
In 2026, The Loop tested 139 substances containing MDMA:
35% crystal
65% pills
Of the MDMA crystal tested:
100% contained only MDMA and no other drugs.
Of the ecstasy pills tested:
100% contained only MDMA and no other drugs.
Why does this matter?
Dosing MDMA crystal can be hard to judge by eye.
Crystals vary in size, shape and density, so crushing into a fine powder and dabbing can help with dosing.
Go Slow. Stay Low.
Crush the crystal into a fine powder.
Dab no higher than the first joint of the index finger - roughly a common adult dose.
Wait for the effects to hit before considering re-dosing. Full effects could take 2+ hours.
If taking MDMA:
Avoid mixing MDMA with alcohol or other drugs.
Sip water regularly - around ½ pint / 250mL per hour.
Take regular breaks to cool down.
Ask for help if someone seems unwell.
Clear, practical harm reduction messaging is a public health intervention.
As festival season continues, The Loop is sharing its Crush. Dab. Wait. advice on MDMA crystal.
THREAD
On Saturday, we are drug checking in #Hackney
How does it work?
1. Surrender a substance
2. Tell us what you think it is & about your drug use
3. We do lab tests inc. a test for synthetic opioids
4. After~1 hour, we have results & can give honest advice wearetheloop.org/drug-checking
Last week, The Loop welcomed Stoftest Danmark (stoftest.org) for shared learning around drug checking and harm reduction. International collaboration helps build safer, more informed communities and strengthen access to drug checking for everyone who needs it.
#DrugChecking #HarmReduction
Look out for excessive sweating, confusion, agitation, feeling hot to the touch, or someone who is very hot but has stopped sweating.
#CrushDabWait #GoSlowStayLow #HarmReduction #FestivalSafety #TheLoop
