MDMA Could Become Legal Medication

MDMA, or 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, which is the main ingredient in ecstasy, could potentially have medicinal uses. A network of researchers is currently conducting a range of clinical trials that could result in the drug being distributed by pharmacies as early as 2021.

Because it is currently most ingested as a party drug that is typically purchased on the street, it is often cut with dangerous chemicals. However, when ingested under medical supervision, the drug’s effects have the potential to be extremely therapeutic. 

MDMA causes a surge of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays a key role in mood regulation. This increase in serotonin typically increases the users’ feelings of openness and love for both themselves and others. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), the organization currently funding a number of studies around the world, aim to obtain approval from the FDA for the use of MDMA as a therapeutic drug by 2021. 

So far their studies seem to show promise, and are focusing on a wide variety of topics. In one study, researchers are investigating using MDMA-assisted therapy to treat social anxiety in autistic adults. They’re also investigating how MDMA can be used to relieve the anxiety associated with a life-threatening illness and to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.  

The majority of MAPS trials are currently ending Phase II. Once that stage has successfully passed, treatments will move into Phase III, which will entail recruiting larger groups of participnts in order to study the effects of MDMA on these conditions in greater detail.