DEA/OD/ODE
Introduction:
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
(MDMA) is a synthetic drug possessing both stimulant and mild
hallucinogenic properties. On the street it is known as Ecstasy,
XTC, E, X, Beans, and Adams. Adolescents and young adults use it
to promote euphoria, feelings of closeness, empathy, sexuality,
and to reduce inhibitions. It is considered a "party
drug" and obtained at "rave" or
"techno" parties. However, its abuse has expanded, to
include other settings outside of the rave scenes, such as a
college campus.
Licit Uses:
There is no legitimate
medical use for MDMA in the United States.
Chemistry and
Pharmacology:
MDMA, a ring substituted
derivative of phenethylamine, having a pharmacological profile
similar to amphetamine and mescaline. MDMA increases motor
activity, alertness, heart rate, and blood pressure. It also
induces perceptual changes, including enhancement of tactile
sensations. Other effects include: euphoria, increased energy,
increased (sexual) sensual arousal, increased "need"
to be touched (i.e., hugged) and increased need for stimulation.
Abuse of MDMA can cause
psychological and physical damage. Psychological effects
associated with MDMA use include confusion, anxiety, depression,
and paranoia. These effects may last weeks after ingestions.
High doses of MDMA can interfere with the ability to regulate
body temperature, resulting in a sharp increase in body
temperature (hyperthermia), leading to liver, kidney, and
cardiovascular failure. Other effects include tremors,
involuntary teeth clenching, muscle cramps, and blurred vision.
Studies suggest chronic
use of MDMA can produce brain damage in humans. Brain imaging
techniques have revealed a reduction in serotonin nerve
terminals and transporters in former MDMA abusers. Clinical
studies suggest that MDMA may increase the risk of long-term,
perhaps permanent, problems with memory and learning.
Illicit Uses:
MDMA is mainly
self-ingested orally in tablets (50-150 mg). Other methods of
abuse are crushing and snorting or injecting. MDMA abusers
usually take MDMA by "stacking" – taking three or
more tablets at once; or by "piggy-backing" – taking
a series of tablets over a short period of time. One trend among
young adults is "candy flipping," the co-abuse of MDMA
and LSD. The onset of action after oral ingestion occurs within
30 to 45 minutes and lasts 4 to 6 hours.
User Population:
Abusers are adolescent and
young adults. After a period of rapid increase in use, the
Monitoring the Future survey revealed that ecstasy use is
decreasing after peaking in 2001 among 8th, 10th, and 12th
graders. From 2001 to 2003, annual prevalence use of MDMA
decreased by more than half among 10th and 12th graders. By
2004, 2005, and 2006, use of MDMA among these grades had
stabilized.
Illicit Distribution:
Seized MDMA in the U.S. is
primarily manufactured in clandestine laboratories in the
Netherlands and Belgium. MDMA destined to the U.S. from the
Netherlands is transferred through Germany and Poland and
smuggled into the U.S. via body carriers, by air/sea cargo,
luggage, and by express mail. Another significant source country
is Canada. Operation Candy Box identified an international drug
trafficking organization through which up to one million MDMA
tablets per month were smuggled into the U.S. A small number of
MDMA clandestine laboratories have been identified operating in
the U.S.
MDMA is mainly distributed
in tablet form. Ecstasy tablets most often contain MDMA alone.
Many so-called Ecstasy tablets may contain other substances
(e.g., MDA, methamphetamine, ketamine, caffeine, amphetamine),
either alone or in combination with MDMA. MDMA tablets are sold
with logos, creating brand names for users to seek out. MDMA is
also distributed in capsules, powder, and liquid forms. Prices
for an Ecstasy tablet range from $3 to $45.
According to the System to
Retrieve Information from Drug Evidence (STRIDE) database, DEA
forensic laboratories analyzed 3,904 MDMA exhibits from 1,008
cases in 2001. Since then total number of MDMA exhibits analyzed
declined: 2002: 813 cases involving 2,490 exhibits; 2003: 653
cases involving 1,904 exhibits; 2004: 561 cases involving 1,838
exhibits; 2005: 577 cases involving 1,711 exhibits, and 2006:
692 cases involving 2,302 exhibits.
MDMA is available in every
region of the country, principally in large metropolitan areas.
Los Angeles, CA, Miami, FL; and New York, NY are the primary
market areas for MDMA smuggled into the U.S. from Western
European source countries. Florida leads the nation in MDMA
seizures. International traffickers use south Florida as a base
of operations for the importation and distribution of MDMA.
According to the National
Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) database, MDMA
was the most common among club drugs analyzed in 2006 by state
and local forensic laboratories across each region; 88% (7,534
out of 8,513) in the South, 71% (1,781 out of 2,520) in the
Northeast, 92% (3,721 out of 4,027) in the West, and 92% (3,767
out of 4,093) in the Midwest.
Control Status:
In 1988, MDMA became a
schedule I controlled substances under the Federal Controlled
Substances Act.
Comments and additional information are welcomed by the
Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, FAX 202-353-1263 or telephone