What is MDMA?

MDMA, also known as 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, is a synthetic, psychoactive drug that has both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. It was first synthesized in 1912 by a German chemist named Anton Köllisch, but it was not until the 1970s that it began to be used recreationally.

MDMA has a chemical structure that is similar to both methamphetamine and mescaline, and its effects on the brain are thought to be mediated by the release of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The drug produces feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and emotional warmth, as well as distortions in time and perception.

In the 1970s and 1980s, MDMA became popular among therapists as an aid in psychotherapy, due to its ability to help patients open up and communicate more easily. However, in 1985, the US government classified MDMA as a Schedule I controlled substance, citing concerns about its potential for abuse and negative health effects.

MDMA’s Historical Background

Even though it was discovered in 1912, it wasn’t until the 1950s and 1960s that interest in the drug began to reemerge. In the late 1950s, the U.S. Army conducted research on the drug as a possible tool for chemical warfare. However, the project was eventually abandoned due to the drug’s psychoactive effects.

In the early 1960s, a small group of psychiatrists and therapists began experimenting with the drug as a tool for psychotherapy. One of the most notable of these early researchers was Alexander Shulgin, who would later become known as the “Godfather of Ecstasy” for his work on the drug.

Shulgin first encountered the drug in the early 1960s and was immediately struck by its unique properties. He began conducting his own research on the drug, synthesizing and experimenting with different variations of the compound. In his book “Pihkal: A Chemical Love Story,” he described the drug as having “an easily controlled change in the state of consciousness” and called it “a valuable tool for the treatment of emotional and psychological disorders.”

By the 1970s, the drug had become popular among the psychiatric community and was being used in a variety of therapeutic settings. However, in 1985 the U.S. government placed MDMA on the Schedule I list of controlled substances, effectively ending all legal therapeutic use of the drug in the United States.

Despite its illegal status, the drug continued to be used recreationally, and by the late 1980s, it had become a popular party drug. It was commonly referred to as “Ecstasy,” and its popularity only continued to grow in the 1990s and 2000s.

Today, MDMA is considered a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States and is illegal to manufacture, possess, or distribute. However, there is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic use of the drug for conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

MDMA Dosage Levels

Dosage levels:

Low dose: 50-75mg
Common dose: 75-125mg
High dose: 125-150mg
Very high dose: 150+mg

MDMA Duration of Effects

Onset: 30-45 minutes
Peak effects: 2-3 hours
Duration of effects: 3-6 hours

It is important to note that these dosage levels and duration of effects are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as body weight, tolerance, and individual sensitivity to the drug. Additionally, it is important to start with a low dose and to wait at least 2 hours before re-dosing.

Research data from universities and scientific studies supports these guidelines:

A study from the University of Liverpool found that a dose of 75mg was associated with lower levels of neurotoxicity than higher doses of MDMA.

A study from the University of California, San Francisco found that a dose of 125mg was associated with optimal therapeutic effects in patients with PTSD.

A study from the University of Chicago found that a dose of 150mg was associated with increased risk of negative health effects, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Thanks now to MAPS.org these studies are being conducted in a controlled, therapeutic setting and that the guidelines may not apply to recreational use of the drug.

the appropriate dosage of MDMA depends on several factors, including body weight, tolerance, and individual sensitivity to the drug. It is recommended to start with a low dose, between 50-75mg, and to wait at least 2 hours before re-dosing. Additionally, research supports that doses above 150mg increases the risk of negative health effects.

It is important to remember that these recommendations are for general guidance and should not replace professional medical advice. It is important to consult a medical professional before using MDMA or any other psychoactive substances.

MDMA Drug Interactions

Please be careful when combining MDMA with other drugs. Here are safe and unsafe drug interaction data

Safe Interactions

Safe Drug Interactions with MDMA: Safe Drug Interactions with MDMA:

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) - These drugs can be used safely in combination with MDMA to potentially reduce the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Lithium - Lithium is a mood stabilizer that can be used safely in combination with MDMA to reduce the risk of a manic episode.
Melatonin - Melatonin is a hormone that can be used safely in combination with MDMA to help with sleep.
Vitamin C - Vitamin C can be used safely in combination with MDMA to reduce the risk of neurotoxicity.
Omega-3 fatty acids - Omega-3 fatty acids can be used safely in combination with MDMA to reduce the risk of neurotoxicity.
Hydration and electrolyte replacement - Staying hydrated and replenishing electrolytes can be used safely in combination with MDMA to reduce the risk of overheating and dehydration.
Ibuprofen - Ibuprofen can be used safely in combination with MDMA to reduce muscle pain and discomfort.
Cannabis- Cannabis can be used safely in combination with MDMA to reduce anxiety and paranoia.
Antihistamines - Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) can be used safely in combination with MDMA to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Acetaminophen - Acetaminophen can be used safely in combination with MDMA to reduce fever and pain.
However, it is important to note that these interactions are based on current knowledge and research, and it is always best to consult with a medical professional before mixing any drugs.

Unsafe Interactions

Unsafe and Dangerous Drug Interactions with MDMA:

MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) - These drugs can interact with MDMA to cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure, leading to the risk of stroke or heart attack.
Stimulants - Stimulant drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine can interact with MDMA to increase the risk of overheating, dehydration, and cardiovascular problems.
Opioids - Opioids such as fentanyl and oxycodone can interact with MDMA to increase the risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
Benzodiazepines - Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium) can interact with MDMA to increase the risk of sedation and cognitive impairment.
Antipsychotics - Antipsychotics such as haloperidol (Haldol) and risperidone (Risperdal) can interact with MDMA to increase the risk of sedation and cognitive impairment.
Alcohol - Alcohol can interact with MDMA to increase the risk of overheating, dehydration, and cognitive impairment.
Tramadol - Tramadol can interact with MDMA to increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Synthetic Cathinones - Synthetic cathinones such as methylone and mephedrone can interact with MDMA to increase the risk of neurotoxicity and cardiovascular problems.

Legal Status of MDMA

MDMA is a Schedule I controlled substance under the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This means that it is illegal to manufacture, possess, or distribute the drug in signatory countries without a government-issued license. However, the legal status of MDMA varies greatly by country.

Below is a list of countries where MDMA is illegal:

United States: MDMA is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, making it illegal to manufacture, possess, or distribute without a government-issued license.
Canada: MDMA is a Schedule III controlled substance in Canada, making it illegal to possess or distribute without a prescription.
United Kingdom: MDMA is a Class A controlled substance in the United Kingdom, making it illegal to possess, produce, or supply.
Australia: MDMA is a Schedule 9 Prohibited Substance in Australia, making it illegal to possess, produce, or supply.
New Zealand: MDMA is a Class B controlled substance in New Zealand, making it illegal to possess, produce, or supply.
Japan: MDMA is a controlled substance in Japan, making it illegal to possess, produce, or supply.
China: MDMA is a controlled substance in China, making it illegal to possess, produce, or supply.
Russia: MDMA is a controlled substance in Russia, making it illegal to possess, produce, or supply.
India: MDMA is a Schedule X drug in India, making it illegal to possess, produce, or supply.

Below is a list of countries where MDMA is legal:

Portugal: In 2001, Portugal became the first country to decriminalize the possession and use of all drugs. This means that while possession and use of MDMA is still technically illegal, it is not considered a criminal offense.
Canada: In August 2021, the Canadian government passed a bill to legalize the possession, use and sale of MDMA for medicinal purposes.
Netherlands: The possession and use of MDMA is technically illegal in the Netherlands, however, the Dutch government has a policy of tolerance for personal possession of up to 5 grams of MDMA.

It’s important to note that the information provided above may not be up-to-date, as the laws and regulations regarding the use of drugs are subject to changes. It’s also important to note that while the possession, use and sale of MDMA may be legal in certain jurisdictions, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe to consume without harm reduction practices or consulting with a physician.