MDMA: Improving Quality Of Life With Researched Molly

This article includes information on MDMA as a clinical treatment, the dangers, and the future state of using drugs to alter or manipulate the psyche. Read the ten facts below to better understand molly’s effect on the mind, body, behavior, and society. 

1. What is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine?
2. Molly’s Biography: a historical overview
3. MDMA legality in the USA
4. MDMA pharmacology
5. MDMA efficacy
6. MDMA dosage
7. Flipping with other drugs: Polydrug use
8. Dangers of molly munchin: rave to the grave
9. Testing substances
10. Going forward: current literature & what to expect

1. What is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine?

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a synthetic compound. Like many commonly prescribed drugs, MDMA was initially synthesized from plants. However, before there was MDMA, there was MDA (AKA: sass, sassafras); before there was MDA, there was safrole oil from the sassafras plant. Surprisingly, sassafras used to make up the flavor of root beer before being considered a potential carcinogen. 

2. Molly’s Biography: a historical overview

Like many drugs, MDMA started in the hands of the government and was used for interrogation enhancement purposes by the military from the 1940s to the 1960s [1]. Additionally, during the Cold War, MDMA and other psychotropic drugs were being considered for mind control purposes. I argue these practices are ongoing. Drugs are a tool and can affirm delusions and silence those against conformity.

Shulgin’s (Global[ist]) Impact: a psyop?

Alexander Shulgin (1925 – 2014) is known for synthesizing and researching 100s of psychoactive compounds, notably: MDA, 2C-B, and MDMA. He and his wife Ann Shulgin wrote PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story (Phenethylamines I Have Known and Loved), which is an autobiography of their experiences with the newly synthesized substances, and TiHKAL: the Continuation (Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved), which further describes the effects of the compounds.

Shulgin was a member of the Bohemian Club and briefly described some of his experiences with the “Owl Club” in his books. Prior to his research success, he trained at Harvard and Berkeley in biochemistry. Shulgin rubbed shoulders with presidents, world leaders, and the epitome of the world’s globalist elite through the club. To what extent these unknown influences impacted Shulgin’s work is open to doubt. Are these drugs intended for psychological support or psychological warfare?

3. MDMA legality in the USA

Like psilocybin, MDMA is classified as a Schedule I drug with no medicinal benefits as of 1985. Molly possession is illegal. With the resurgence of psychedelic research, MDMA is used to treat psychiatric disorders. Numerous clinical trials and animal experiments are assessing the safety and efficacy of MDMA.

Precursor legality: Sass

Possession of precursors used to make molly or MDA, like safrole oil, is illegal and will likely get you tagged by the government for even attempting to purchase. Furthermore, safrole was deemed a carcinogen by the Food and Drug Administration in the 1980s, as reported in two rodent studies. Here is the Report on Carcinogens in the Fifteenth Edition by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released in December of 2021.

4. MDMA pharmacology

The primary substance in molly is R- and S-enantiomer 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Interestingly the difference in enantiomers will likely result in differing effects [2]. More research is required to evaluate the impact produced by the R- and S- enantiomers. The body metabolizes MDMA into MDA. The metabolites of both MDMA and MDA can induce damage to the liver and nerve cells and death [3].

Mechanism of action:

MDMA is known to involve serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine activation. Animal models have shown that the prosocial feelings induced by MDMA may be attributed to the serotoninergic system, while the rewarding effects are independently attributed to the dopaminergic system [4]. Clinical studies have concluded that the improved psychological effects primarily stem from 5-HT activation, while the rewarding and euphoric effects are partly associated with dopamine D2 [5].

5. MDMA efficacy

In clinical trials and experiments studying the efficacy of MDMA as a treatment, psychotherapy is a crucial component for therapeutic success. In addition, there are many downsides to chronic molly use and misuse; thus, the efficacy is heavily dose-dependent.

Limitations to MDMA research:

A significant issue across research trials is the need for comparability across trials. The test questionaries, setting, dosage, and user experience often differ on a trial-by-trial basis. For example, one study may include healthy participants in a guided group session, while another study will include no psychotherapy in an individual session. Furthermore, more research is needed to assess the long-term efficacy of MDMA as most long-term studies cease to continue after several months to a year. Finally, another limitation is who is funding this research and why now is MDMA research being funded and conducted.

What is it being studied to treat?

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety in autistic adults
• Anxiety related to terminal illness [6-8]

List of ongoing clinical studies for MDMA: Enroll for a roll

To find clinical trials to participate in a simple web search will highlight dozens of ongoing psychedelic-related studies. The National Institute of Health has a site to search for clinical trials, including private and publicly funded research. Furthermore, private institutions are also enrolling participants in trials, such as the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Local trials can be found through the advanced search function on the clinical trials site or by searching for trials conducted at nearby universities and institutes.

US Clinical Trials: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/home

https://maps.org/take-action/participate-in-trial/

6. MDMA dosage

In clinical studies the dosage of MDMA is discussed in milligrams/kilograms or in milligrams [6, 9, 10].

High dose: 3 mg/kg; 125 mg
Medium dose: 1.5 mg/kg; 75 mg; 100 mg
Low dose: 0.75 mg/kg; 30 mg; 40 mg

In recreational settings, a typical dose is about 100 mg. Experienced (abusive) users may take 100’s of mgs of MDMA each night, weekend, or during a rave-like event. Heavy dosages will cause dangerous side-effects or death.

7. Flipping with other drugs: Polydrug use

Polydrug use increases the risk of harm. Some drug combinations are relatively safe, while others may exacerbate dangers [11, 12]. Understanding pharmacology and the effects of substances is crucial for staying safe. For a more detailed description on Psilocybin + MDMA, check out the Psilocybe cubensis post section on Hippie-flipping.

8. Dangers of molly munchin: rave to the grave

Molly is ubiquitous with dance music, the rave, and the clubbing scene. These days, getting hot and sweaty on the dance floor is more often related to parting too hard on molly than the act of dancing. Many party attendees are under the influence of drugs like molly at raves.

Acute effects: taking a bit too much, unprepared, or misinformed

• Muscle cramping:
• Teeth grinding
• Risky behavior

“Blue Monday”: not at all alike blue honey

After the party ends and the serotonin is depleted, people often report feelings of sadness following an MDMA binge. People who overindulge over the weekend will likely feel low energy and depression; hence, Blue Monday emerged. However, some may attribute the blue feelings not to drug use but to the fact the fun is over, and now a return to normal is necessary (i.e., people feel down due to leaving the partying atmosphere, not due to their potent drug abuse). Regardless of the actual reason, many users report negative feelings days following the misuse of molly.

A recent clinical study assessed the “Blue Monday” feeling and reported a lack of evidence to support MDMA users feeling blue post-use [13]. Clinical studies are highly structured, thus limiting harm to participants. MDMA given in a clinical setting is less likely to induce serotonin loss and negative feelings than someone who abuses molly weekly. The Sessa, Aday [13] study highlights the safety of MDMA when given under specific clinical instruction. Talk to a molly muncher after they’ve been partying and watch their mood and behavior slump post-party.

Blue honey on the other hand is related to Psilocybin + Honey, which can be read about in Psilocybe cubensis, the Blue Honey section.

Chronic effects: Serotonin depletion & syndrome

MDMA can be addictive, dangerous, and deadly. All in all, MDMA can be a horrid substance and extreme caution is advised[3, 14].

The figure by Michael White interestingly describes the effect of MDMA [3]. Societal implications of MDMA use and abuse may encourage risky and harmful behaviors. Like many drugs, chronic use can negatively affect the body and behavior.

Adulterated MDMA: molly on the streets

The composition of supposed MDMA can only be tested for organic and trace metal impurities using multiple lab instruments. Furthermore, trace metals are known to be found in street drugs as they often are contaminated during synthesis. The equipment required to test the purity of MDMA entirely is expensive and rarely performed. Equally important is the fact that pressed tablets contain varying amounts of chemicals due to inadequate synthesis and pressing [15] (i.e., breaking a tablet in half does not equate to a half dose due to improper mixing of chemicals).

Re-dosing:

The risk of taking MDMA is related to dosage, and taking additional doses shortly after an initial dose increases the risk. Individuals partying with molly typically take additional doses throughout the night. However, this is extremely dangerous and does not likely prolong the desired effects. Unlike taking another magic mushroom cap or another nibble of LSD, taking more molly in a short period can have an adverse and deadly impact.

9. Testing substances

Reagents can better identify or inform of the chemicals in a drug. Reagents can be used on supposed MDMA to mitigate harm. If people have enough money to buy drugs, buying test reagents should be no issue. Moreover, ignorance is not bliss when partaking in unknown street substances. Individuals should use multiple tests on small samples, including a test for fentanyl. No matter how much money is spent on the substance, do not use it if unsure of its composition.

Primary reagents to use:

• Marquis + Molly = Purple-Black
• Simon A + Simon B + Molly = Blue
• Froehde + Molly = Black
• Fentanyl test strips

Finding reliable MDMA test kits is easy with DanceSafe. They provide test kits for all types of substances, as well as informational guides on how to use the kits. Here is a guide provided by DanceSafe on reagents:

Crystals vs. pressed pills:

Some argue acquiring molly rocks or crystals is slightly safer and more reliable than pressed tablets. Tablets advertised as ecstasy may or may not contain other amphetamines besides MDMA (terminology is highly debated around molly vs. ecstasy and what the latter comprises). Moreover, in pressed tablets, binding agents and coloring fillers are added to the chemical cocktail. Although reagent testing does not inform of MDMA purity and is not 100% reliable, testing is crucial for mitigating harm.

10. Going forward: current literature & what to expect

In conclusion, MDMA can promote healing and peace in specific individuals under specific circumstances. However, more often than not, individuals do not partake in molly use in the right environment to receive therapeutic relief safely. This article highlights the dangers of MDMA use and its efficacy as a treatment. Molly is heavily abused and should be used as a treatment under specific circumstances.

I look forward to updating this section on the current literature as I progress throughout my studies.

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Works Cited:

1.            Passie, T. and U. Benzenhöfer, MDA, MDMA, and other “mescaline-like” substances in the US military’s search for a truth drug (1940s to 1960s). Drug Testing and Analysis, 2018. 10(1): p. 72-80.

2.            Pitts, E.G., et al., (±)-MDMA and its enantiomers: potential therapeutic advantages of R(−)-MDMA. Psychopharmacology, 2018. 235(2): p. 377-392.

3.            Michael White, C., How MDMA’s Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics Drive Desired Effects and Harms. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2014. 54(3): p. 245-252.

4.            Heifets, B.D., et al., Distinct neural mechanisms for the prosocial and rewarding properties of MDMA. Science Translational Medicine, 2019. 11(522): p. eaaw6435.

5.            Liechti, M.E. and F.X. Vollenweider, Which neuroreceptors mediate the subjective effects of MDMA in humans? A summary of mechanistic studies. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 2001. 16(8): p. 589-598.

6.            Mithoefer, M.C., et al., MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of PTSD: study design and rationale for phase 3 trials based on pooled analysis of six phase 2 randomized controlled trials. Psychopharmacology (Berl), 2019. 236(9): p. 2735-2745.

7.            Hysek, C.M., G. Domes, and M.E. Liechti, MDMA enhances “mind reading” of positive emotions and impairs “mind reading” of negative emotions. Psychopharmacology, 2012. 222(2): p. 293-302.

8.            Wardle, M.C. and H. de Wit, MDMA alters emotional processing and facilitates positive social interaction. Psychopharmacology, 2014. 231(21): p. 4219-4229.

9.            Clark, C.M., et al., Acute effects of MDMA on autonomic cardiac activity and their relation to subjective prosocial and stimulant effects. Psychophysiology, 2015. 52(3): p. 429-435.

10.         Pantoni, M.M., et al., MDMA and memory, addiction, and depression: dose-effect analysis. Psychopharmacology, 2022. 239(3): p. 935-949.

11.         Dias da Silva, D., H. Carmo, and E. Silva, The risky cocktail: what combination effects can we expect between ecstasy and other amphetamines? Arch Toxicol, 2013. 87(1): p. 111-22.

12.         Cohen, I.V., et al., Concomitant drugs associated with increased mortality for MDMA users reported in a drug safety surveillance database. Scientific Reports, 2021. 11(1): p. 5997.

13.         Sessa, B., et al., Debunking the myth of ‘Blue Mondays’: No evidence of affect drop after taking clinical MDMA. J Psychopharmacol, 2022. 36(3): p. 360-367.

14.         Garcı́a-Repetto, R., et al., Tissue concentrations of MDMA and its metabolite MDA in three fatal cases of overdose. Forensic Science International, 2003. 135(2): p. 110-114.

15.         Waddell-Smith, R.J.H., A Review of Recent Advances in Impurity Profiling of Illicit MDMA Samples. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2007. 52(6): p. 1297-1304.

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