Recent events highlight Molly’s many perils
The popular street drug “Molly” has been back in the headlines again recently after first entering the mainstream media last year. The drug, a synthetic stimulant related to Ecstasy, was first popularized in New York and is now becoming increasingly common in other parts of the country. Unfortunately, though widely regarded as a relatively “safe” drug, these stories hint at just how much havoc it can wreak in the lives of those who become involved with it.
In early August 2014, two young men died of apparent drug overdoses during a music festival in Maryland; authorities believe they had taken Molly. In the following weeks, the NFL announced its suspension of two football players due to their alleged use of the drug. And in the first week of September, a Dutch man pleaded guilty to federal drug charges in the U.S. for his alleged involvement in “Farmer’s Market,” on online marketplace for Molly and other illegal drugs. He is facing time in federal prison as well as other potential criminal consequences.
What is Molly?
Molly, or MDMA, is Schedule One controlled substance with both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. It is similar to the street drug Ecstasy, and the two terms are often used interchangeably. Molly, however, is widely believed to be a “purer” form of the drug – though in some cases this can be misleading. Some experts caution that Molly’s reputation for purity can actually make it more dangerous since people may not realize that there is still a very real risk of overdose, and because the drug can easily be mixed with other substances that may cause dangerous interactions.
Although Molly experienced a surge in popularity in New York in 2013, the drug had already been in existence for about a decade before becoming well known. It is often used as a party drug for its euphoric and energizing effects. Especially in New York, users increasingly report that they rely on the drug in order to “keep up” with their busy lifestyles. Unfortunately, for some, even casual or occasional use of MDMA can have disastrous consequences.
A lawyer can help minimize fallout after an arrest
As the recent Molly-related news stories outlined above illustrate, the risks associated with MDMA are not limited to any one area of life. On the contrary, as with nearly any type of illegal drug use or involvement, when things go wrong they can threaten nearly every aspect of an individual’s personal and professional life – and in some cases life itself – along with the potentially severe legal consequences that may be involved. If you have been arrested for illegal drug possession or any other drug crime, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to help you minimize or avoid some of these potential negative consequences.