MDMA By: Torrin Glick

What Is MDMA? MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic drug known as an “empathogen” MDMA is the desired chemical in the illegal street drug “ecstasy” MDMA was 1st synthesized by Anton Köllisch, a chemist for the German pharmaceutical company Merck in 1912.

MDMA Rediscovered MDMA remained nothing until the 70s, when chemist Alexander Shulgin synthesized and ingested the drug himself After noticing the beneficial effects the drug possessed, he introduced it to Dr. Leo Zeff Leo Zeff was a psychotherapist who then introduced the drug to his fellow therapists and marriage counselors all across the U.S. MDMA saw great success in marriage counseling and therapy, allowing its users to break down their social barriers and face past traumatic events.

“Ecstasy” Eventually the drug found its way into the general public. It started being used by many people throughout the country at raves, clubs, and parties. MDMA wasn’t a very marketable name so the drug was dubbed “ecstasy” for the unique feeling it gives its users

Illegalization Once the DEA caught on to this new drug they knew it was becoming a problem. Many people were using it because it was socially accepted with many happy users who had very few bad side effects. The DEA ended this by making the drug and schedule 1 illegal substance on July 1st, 1985.

Post-Illegalization Making the drug illegal did little to stop its spread. If anything it only made it more popular. The only difference now was that the drug was being manufactured by street dealers and random people who could cut the drug with anything they want. (speed, heroin, PMA, DXM,)

MDMA Studies After the drug was illegalized, the government tried to justify its cause by doing studies that showed ecstasy causes brain damage. Studies done by Dr. George Ricaurte, a government funded scientist, showed that MDMA use cause massive brain damage, memory loss, and could cause Parkinson's disease. His studies served as a just cause for the time being but were later proved to be flawed science. None of it was proven true.

Dr. George Ricaurte (left) used the brain scan image (right) to show people and teens that ecstasy causes brain damage. The image seems to show that the brain after ecstasy is dulled and has holes. This image was based on flawed science and is not true.

So Now What? So now the drug is still under schedule 1 status although there is no proven evidence that MDMA causes brain damage. Schedule 1 drugs are classified as “having high risk for abuse and no medical benefit” The only proof there is, is that MDMA is extremely beneficial in PTSD, a medical condition.

MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) This organization is working on legalizing MDMA for use in PTSD treatment. Rick Doblin heads this organization and has been making great progress in the fight for legalization