Ecstacy
What exactly is ecstasy? Why do people take it? Who discovered it? Why is it illegal? After much research, I believe I can answer these and other questions regarding this drug. Also, I hope to give you both the up and down sides of this highly controversial substance. Ecstasy, also known as empathy, E, X, XTC, Adam, and the love drug, is MDMA (3-4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine). It belongs to a family of substahces called "entactogens," which means "touching within." (Dancesafe.org). It was first synthesized and patented in 1914, by the German pharmaceutical company, MERCK. Originally intended as an appetite suppressant, it’s strange effects kept it off the market (McCormick 52). MDMA came under testing again in 1953. The United States military attempted to use the substance in mind control and interrogation. Testing didn’t go as hoped, and the drug was forgotten, once again. The drug probably would have stayed this way, too, if it wasn’t for one man. In 1977, Alexander Shulgin, an American biochemist working for Dow Chemicals, stumbled across the substance in his studies. Shulgin was very curious about the drug, so he and some psychotherapist friends agreed to get together and test it. The therapists were amazed by the results and began using it in therapy. The drug spread like a wild fire and began to be used recreationally. It was purchasable almost anywhere from stores to bars, where it was available by credit card (Brennan 51). This large use of the drug is what began to draw the DEA’s attention. Shortly thereafter, the DEA launched a scare campaign against the drug. They placed an emergency ban on the substance and set up a series of hearings to determine its fate (Saunders). The drug was made to schedule three, meaning it could be manufactured and tested in the medical world. However, the DEA continued to put pressure on the courts, and they were forced to make the drug schedule one. Schedule one drugs cannot be synthesized, sold, tested, and they carry a hefty prison sentence for possession (Erowid MDMA Legal Status).