Molly is short for “molecular.” It was given this nickname because this ecstasy comes in power or crystallized form, not in traditional pill form. It should be noted, however, that MDMA generally isn’t known as molly outside of English speaking North America. Other places like the UK, for instance, it is sometimes referred to as mandy and in South America as bala.
But to be clear, Molly is Ecstasy but marketed as a pure form sold in a capsule and not compressed into pills. Molly is one of those that can be tampered with at every step of production leading to all sorts of adulterants up to user. If you have resources around you - it is paramount to get it tested.
MDMA Therapeutic
MDMA is being hailed for its ability to potentially transform mental health treatment, particularly for PTSD. The drug allows patients to confront traumatic memories in a therapeutic setting without the intense emotional distress that usually accompanies such experiences. Advocates believe it could offer a breakthrough alternative to traditional psychopharmacology and talk therapy.
Regulatory Challenges Facing MDMA Approval
As MDMA progresses through clinical trials for treating PTSD, its potential FDA approval faces significant regulatory hurdles. Unlike traditional pharmaceuticals, MDMA's association with recreational drug use adds complexity to the approval process. This is not just a matter of clinical safety and efficacy but involves broader considerations about public health, policy, and societal impacts.
MDMA, like many psychedelics, is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This designation implies that the drug is seen as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Overcoming this classification is a major obstacle, as it requires a shift in how both regulators and the public perceive the drug.
For MDMA to be rescheduled, the FDA must not only approve its use based on clinical trial data but also work with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA will assess the potential for abuse and determine whether MDMA should be reclassified to a less restrictive schedule. This dual-agency review adds another layer of complexity.
Policy and Public Perception
Another significant challenge is public perception. Although there has been a growing acceptance of psychedelic therapy, many people still associate MDMA with its recreational use as "Ecstasy" or "Molly." Overcoming decades of stigma requires a concerted effort by advocates, researchers, and policymakers to educate the public on the differences between clinical MDMA and its illicit use.
Who Stands To Gain?
In a new study published in Scientific Reports, researchers have provided the most extensive analysis to date of how classic psychedelics (such as LSD and psilocybin) and the drug MDMA (often known as ecstasy) affect cognitive functions during and after use.
The use of psychedelics and MDMA has surged in both recreational and therapeutic settings, leading to a growing need for clear guidelines on their cognitive effects. The study suggests that psychedelics might boost creativity and executive function after the drug’s immediate effects have worn off, however this hasn't been observed with MDMA.
Beyond their roles in prevention and harm reduction, the immediate (acute) and short-term (subacute) cognitive effects of psychedelics and MDMA could potentially contribute to their efficacy as therapeutic agents. Higher levels of cognitive functioning are known to be associated with better outcomes and success rates in traditional psychotherapy, suggesting that cognitive enhancement might also be crucial in the context of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT).
This is something like Lykos are striving to achieve. Lykos also stands to profit mightily from the approval of MDMA. In January of 2024, they announced that they raised $100 million in a Series A funding round.
Research into psychedelics, along with future findings, has important implications for both recreational and therapeutic use. For recreational users, understanding these cognitive effects can help promote safer practices, such as avoiding activities that require attention or decision-making while under the influence of psychedelics.
In therapeutic settings, the potential afterglow effect of psychedelics could be used to enhance the effectiveness of therapy sessions conducted after the psychedelic experience. Meanwhile, MDMA’s impact on memory could be beneficial in treatments for conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), where disrupting the reconsolidation of traumatic memories is a key therapeutic objective.