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.