DRUG users in Bolton are putting their lives in peril by experimenting with a new “legal high”.

The use of mephedrone, more commonly found in plant food, is worrying public health experts as little is known about the dangers it poses.

The chemical, also known by the street names miaow miaow, bubble, drone and MCAT, has been linked with the deaths of teenage users, including a Leigh girl who died last month.

With prices from £10 per gram — around £3 a dose — its popularity is growing in the area.

Websites selling MCAT brand the substance as a “UK legal” before describing it as a plant food or research chemical and “not for human consumption”.

The drug, which usually comes in powder form, is a stimulant similar to ecstasy and cocaine.

Sandie Saunders, Bolton’s drugs and alcohol strategy manager, said: “At this point, I am not aware of any deaths in Bolton as a result of mephedrone, but we do have reports of people in Bolton using it.

“They are using it recreationally as a substitute for ecstasy. Dependent and problematic users, such as ex-heroin addicts, are also using it.”

Mrs Saunders said offenders inside the criminal justice system have also reported using it and information points to it being used alongside illegal drugs like ecstasy and cocaine.

She added: “There is not much research into this substance. We don’t know if it is addictive, or what are the exact side effects.”

Effects last for one to two hours and, because they are short-lived, those using it continuously “re-dose”.

Users have reported palpitations, nausea, cold or blue fingers, hot and cold sweats, muscle-twitching, dizziness, teeth grinding, twitchy eyes and nose bleeds.

Reports say that when mixed with alcohol, users noted increased nausea and memory loss.

As with any stimulant, risks increase for anyone with underlying health issues, particularly those with heart problems.

Scientists on the Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs are now carrying out research on mephedrone as a priority. Users logging on to drugs forums believe the dangers are exaggerated.

One user said mephedrone was “a nice drug”, but added: “Mixing mephedrone with alcohol was a very bad idea. I experienced a great deal of memory loss and the nausea is unbearable.”

Mephedrone has already been banned in Sweden, Denmark and Israel. In December, three “legal highs” — BZP, GBL and a cannabis substitute known as spice — were banned after they were linked with several deaths.

pkeaveny@theboltonnews.co.uk