One of the most talked about drugs today, MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine),
popularly known as Ecstasy, has made national headlines and
attracted the attention of scientists, law enforcement, politicians
and parents. Originally patented by Merck Pharmaceutical Company
in 1914, MDMA was rediscovered in the early 1970s by chemist
Alexander Shulgin. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the
drug spread to some members of the psychiatric and psychotherapeutic
communities, which hailed MDMA's benefits in treating patients
with terminal illness, trauma, phobias, drug addiction, and
other disorders. Originally dubbed a "penicillin for
the soul", users of MDMA report enhanced sensations,
heightened feelings of empathy, self-acceptance and a general
feeling of relaxed euphoria.
By
1986 the drug was classified as a Schedule I drug, defined
by the DEA as having high abuse potential and no medical value.
Its use was effectively prohibited.
Recently,
Ecstasy use has increased significantly, despite its illegal
status. Over the last five years, MDMA use has doubled among
teens. In 2001, 12% of high school seniors reported they had
tried the drug.
Commonly
associated with rave culture and all night dance parties,
MDMA use may have short-term risks including overheating and
dehydration due to elevated body temperatures combined with
physical exertion. Counterfeit substances passed off as Ecstasy
also increase risks for users. "Fake" Ecstasy pills
sometimes include dangerous drugs such as DXM (dextromethorphan)
and PMA (paramethoxyamphetamine), which are believed responsible
for a number of "Ecstasy" overdoses. Recently, many
media reports have focused on the long-term affects of Ecstasy.
Though some results and studies do suggest heavy Ecstasy use
can cause long-term damage, research is preliminary and much
more is needed to determine clinical significance.
In
the past few years, the government has launched major media
campaigns and legislative measures targeting MDMA. In 2001,
harsher federal penalties for MDMA offenses went into effect,
treating MDMA more seriously than cocaine and almost as seriously
as heroin. Some states also imposed harsh penalties for Ecstasy,
including Illinois' draconian law in which an individual possessing
fifteen doses of MDMA must serve four years in state prison.
Federal
authorities are also attempting to prosecute club and rave
promoters under the "Crack house" law - arguing
that clubs which host electronic music dance acts function
as crack houses because patrons may have been selling or using
drugs. Though federal authorities have tried to ban pacifiers,
glow sticks and masks as "drug paraphernalia" at
electronic music shows, the ACLU in February 2002 won a case
that determined these objects could not be banned from musical
venues.
The
Drug Policy Alliance is working toward educating young people
and parents honestly about Ecstasy. Furthermore, on the federal
and state levels, the Alliance advocates just laws and tries
to prevent the enactment of exceedingly harsh penalties. Lastly,
DPA supports continued research on long-term effects and the
potential for therapeutic uses.
