What is nutmeg?

Nutmeg is the kernel of a peach-like fruit Myristica fragrans. Dried and separated from its husk, known as mace, nutmeg (and the mace) are used mainly as a spice. They can be bought whole or in powder form.

Both mace and nutmeg contain psychoactive chemicals such as myristicin, safrole, and elemicin. Because of the large amounts needed, usually 2 grams, to get high, it tends to be experimented with once or twice, unless other drugs are hard to come by – as in some prisons or during drug droughts. It has been linked to ecstasy production, and is believed to used in the making of some ‘organic’ ecstasy products. These typically contain MDA derivatives, cathinone and amphetamines.

The spice is not regulated in the UK.