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Ecstasy: America's new "reefer madness".

Marsha Rosenbaum1

  • 1San Francisco Office of the Drug Policy Alliance, San Francisco, California 94123, USA.

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
|April 15, 2003
PubMed
Summary
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MDMA, or Ecstasy, shifted from therapeutic use to illicit recreational drug, leading to criminalization and a media frenzy. Government and media reactions may hinder harm reduction efforts for Ecstasy users.

Area of Science:

  • Psychopharmacology
  • Sociology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), known as Ecstasy, was initially used in psychotherapy during the 1970s.
  • By the 1980s, its recreational use grew, leading to criminalization in 1986.
  • The late 1990s saw a surge in Ecstasy use, supply, and associated problems, sparking a media frenzy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the history, epidemiology, and politics of Ecstasy.
  • To analyze the media's response to the rise of Ecstasy.
  • To assess how media and government reactions impact harm reduction strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Historical analysis of MDMA's trajectory.
  • Epidemiological review of Ecstasy use patterns.

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  • Political and media discourse analysis.

    • Main Results:

    • MDMA transitioned from therapeutic use to widespread recreational use and criminalization.
    • A media frenzy in the late 1990s was fueled by increased use, adverse reactions, and government reports.
    • Government responses included public education and harsher penalties.

    Conclusions:

    • The media and government's reaction to Ecstasy may inadvertently compromise harm reduction and safety initiatives.
    • Understanding the historical and political context is crucial for effective drug policy.
    • Further research is needed on the long-term impact of MDMA and current policies.