NCJ Number
129805
Journal
International Journal on Drug Policy Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: (January/February 1991) Pages: 22-24
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The legal status of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), which is also called Ecstasy, should not change in Australia since the community does not appear to be suffering harm because of its illegal status.
Abstract
MDMA was placed on a restricted schedule in the United States and Australia because it was thought to be neurotoxic, it had high abuse potential, and it had no medical use. More recent research has determined that MDMA has both stimulant and hallucinogenic effects, with a greater similarity to amphetamines with stimulant activity than those with hallucinogenic properties. It is also selective in its neurotoxicity. Those who use MDMA both recreationally and therapeutically argue that it poses a low health risk to the user, that users may be suffering because of the drug's illegality, that illegality imposes costs on society, and that MDMA may have significant therapeutic value. The therapeutic effects of MDMA have yet to be demonstrated clearly, although data from psychotherapists in Switzerland may provide insights. Currently MDMA appears to be little used in either the United States or Australia. All these factors suggest the desirability of continuing the current legal status of MDMA rather than decriminalizing it for all uses or allowing its use for medical purposes. 38 references