“I hate to advocate drugs...to anyone, but they've always worked for me."
Hunter S. Thompson, journalist and author
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) was originally synthesized by Anton Kollisch (1888-1916)— who was working for German pharmaceutical giant Merck—in 1912 as a side product to a drug intended to control bleeding. It was routinely patented in 1914, and Kollisch died two years later, oblivious to the impact that his discovery would have in years to come.
MDMA found its way onto the streets of America during the 1960s. Legend has it that the drug was deliberately developed as an appetite suppressor for use in World War I, but there is no documented evidence that human trials were carried out. It is also "unclear" whether experiments carried out in 1959 by Merck employee Wolfgang Fruhstorfer may have involved tests on humans. The experiments were carried out with an unknown partner, creating even more mystery as to the appearance of MDMA on the streets, where it got its more familiar name, Ecstasy.
Today it is one of the most popular and most prevalent recreational drugs. Despite its illegality, production of the drug is a worldwide industry estimated to be worth over $65 billion (2003). Its production funds the organized crime required to smuggle the drug across borders. With increased availability and lower prices, the purity of the drug has decreased and users are increasingly exposing themselves to an unknown cocktail of ingredients.
