Methcathinone ("Cat") has tremendous potential for abuse. Originally patented in Germany in 1928, Cat first appeared in the U.S. in 1957, when an American pharmaceutical firm studied its uses as an appetite suppressant. It first drew the attention of law enforcement in Michigan in 1990 as a drug more powerful than crack. Since then, 33 Cat laboratories have been seized. Cat's effects are similar to those of methamphetamine--feelings of omnipotence and euphoria. It produces increased energy, self-assurance, acute alertness, hyperactivity, talkativeness, and sexual stimulation. Cat is highly addictive; users rapidly develop a tolerance for Cat, and require increasing amounts to achieve the effects. It is usually sold in gram quantities for $75 to $100, and snorted, damaging the nose and causing many users to resort to intravenous or oral ingestion. Manufacture of cat requires little sophistication and only one ingredient that cannot be obtained over the counter: ephedrine. DEA proposed legislation to control the sale of ephedrine; H.R.3216 was signed into law and scheduled to become effective April 16, 1994. 8 endnotes