MDMA Possession Cases in NYC
In New York, possessing more than 25mg of MDMA is a felony offense. Being
caught with less than 25mg of the drug is a misdemeanor and can result
in being charged with possession of a controlled substance in the 7th
degree, a class A misdemeanor which is punishable by up to 1 year in jail
(P.L. 220.03).
Defending a MDMA possession charge will depend on the facts and circumstances
including whether you were alleged to have been dealing it, the weight
of the MDMA, the admissibility of any statements you made, the legality
of the search by the police, and other factors. Misdemeanor possession
arrests for MDMA can result in the issuance of a desk appearance ticket
or being brought directly to central booking.
MDMA, better known to the public as Ecstasy/Molly (the purest form of the
drug) is primarily recognized for its recreational use. Though ecstasy
is not legal in any state in the United States, the medicinal use of MDMA
is being explored.
MDMA was originally developed as a psychotherapy drug in 1912. In the late
1970’s and 1980’s Ecstasy became popular amongst party goers
all over the U.S. and Canada. Due to abuse of the drug it, became criminalized in 1985
Ecstasy is often thought of as a party drug and depending on the environment,
the effects of the drug differ. Ecstasy/ Molly can alter a user’s
mood, at times providing them with an adrenaline rush while at the same
time a sense of happiness. While using MDMA, users have also reported
feeling enhanced sensations, perceptions and even sexuality. Other reported
effects of the drug are relaxation, inner peace and mild hallucinations.
In 2013, the first privately funded studies involved MDMA as a treatment
for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). These tests showed that when
provided in small doses together with psychotherapy, MDMA has a positive
effect on those who suffer from PTSD as well as those suffering from other
traumatically inflicted diseases.
In 2016, the FDA authorized what is none as a “phase III” clinical
trial of the drug among patients who suffer from PTSD. The phase III trials
are said to consist of a group of approximately 230 patients. This trial
will determine whether the drug is approved for medicinal use. If MDMA
is approved, it is expected to be available for medicinal use in 2021.