Content of Ecstasy Tablets: Implications for the Study of Their Long-Term Effects

• NCJ Number: 198564
• Journal: Addiction Volume: 97 Issue: 12 Dated: December 2002 Pages: 1531-1536
• Author(s): Jon C. Cole; Mike Bailey; Harry R. Sumnall; Graham F. Wagstaff; Les A. King
• Date Published: December 2002
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This article reports on a study that compared the variation in the content of a sample of ecstasy pills from northwest of England to the United Kingdom average in ecstasy variation from the years 1991 to 2001.

Abstract

The Forensic Science Service in the northwest of England analyzed all ecstasy tablets submitted to them during 2001. The average amount of the active ingredient, MDMA, that was discovered in these tablets was compared to analysis results of ecstasy tablets from all Forensic Science Service laboratories in the United Kingdom from 1991 to 2001. Variation due to differences in manufacturing was controlled for as a confounding variable. Results suggest that the average amount of MDMA in each ecstasy tablet is dropping. This research is important for researchers who are studying the deleterious effects of ecstasy use. Since the amount of MDMA is dropping, the dose-effect relationship needs to be accounted for in future research. Tables, references