MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), popularly known as ecstasy or, more recently, as Molly, is a synthetic, psychoactive drug that has similarities to both the stimulant amphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline. It produces feelings of increased energy, euphoria, emotional warmth and empathy toward others, and distortions in sensory and time perception.
Unlawful distribution of controlled substances; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
(1) More than eight grams, but less than 28 grams, of cocaine or of any mixture containing cocaine.
(2) More than two grams, but less than four grams, of any morphine, opium, or any salt, isomer, or salt of an isomer thereof, including heroin.
(3) More than eight grams, but less than 28 grams, of 3,4-methylenedioxy amphetamine, or of any mixture containing 3,4-methylenedioxy amphetamine.
(4) More than eight grams, but less than 28 grams, of 5-methoxy-3, 4-methylenedioxy amphetamine, or of any mixture containing 5-methoxy-3, 4-methylenedioxy amphetamine.
(5) More than eight grams, but less than 28 grams, of amphetamine or any mixture containing amphetamine, its salt, optical isomer, or salt of its optical isomer thereof.
(6) More than eight grams, but less than 28 grams, of methamphetamine or any mixture containing methamphetamine, its salts, optical isomers, or salt of its optical isomers thereof.
(d) Unlawful possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance is a Class B felony.
Division 3 Drug Trafficking Offenses.
Section 13A-12-231 Trafficking in cannabis, cocaine, etc.; mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment; trafficking in illegal drugs; trafficking in amphetamine and methamphetamine; habitual felony offender act.
Section 13A-12-232 Sentence not to be suspended, deferred, etc., prior to mandatory minimum term; reduction, suspension, etc., of sentence for assistance in arrest, conviction, etc., of accessories, principals, etc.
Section 13A-12-233 Drug trafficking enterprise defined; punishment.
Division 4 Sale on or Near School Campus.
Section 13A-12-250 Additional penalty if unlawful sale on or near school campus.
Division 5 Drug Paraphernalia Offenses.
Section 13A-12-260 Drug paraphernalia; use or possession; delivery or sale; forfeiture.
Division 6 Sale at or Near Public Housing Project.
Section 13A-12-270 Additional penalty for unlawful sale within three-mile radius of public housing project.
How Does Ecstasy Affect You?
Ecstasy, which is also known as MDMA, is an illegal drug that can pose plenty of health problems and dangers for people who use it. While the short-term risks of ecstasy abuse can be serious, the negative long term effects of the drug are often more troubling and can wreak considerable havoc on drug users’ lives.
Even though many people understand that drug abuse is dangerous, they may not realize just how many aspects of a person’s life can be negatively affected and even destroyed by long-term ecstasy use. The following issues can result from ecstasy abuse and addiction that takes place over the years.
The more you use ecstasy, the harder your neurons have to work to produce and distribute serotonin. Over time, the neurons get worn out, and users have to take higher and higher doses of ecstasy to obtain the same results. As tolerance builds, addiction may take place.
Studies of ecstasy users find that as many as 43 percent meet criteria for dependency, while another 34 percent could be classified as abusers. Almost 60 percent of users experienced withdrawal symptoms.
In addition to the inherent risks of ecstasy use, the high likelihood that a dose is tainted with other drugs increases ecstasy’s potential for addiction.