The First Section of the Provincial Court of Palma celebrates this Thursday, at 09.50 am, the pre-trial hearing of a man accused of picking up a package containing more than 500 grams of MDMA in Ibiza, a drug that he allegedly intended to sell. For these facts, the Prosecutor’s Office requests a sentence of eight years in prison and a fine of 42,000 euros. According to the Public Prosecutor‘s indictment, the facts occurred last May 17, when agents of the Civil Guard and Customs Surveillance intercepted the accused while he was picking up a package for which he was the addressee. Although the merchandise was declared as cans of magnesium carbonate, plastic bags containing a total of 501.3 grams of MDMA, whose market value is estimated at 16,546 euros, were found inside. The Prosecutor’s Office assures that the accused intended to sell the drug to third parties, for which reason it asks that he be sentenced as the author of a crime against public health, one of the most serious offenses contemplated in the Spanish Penal Code.
What is MDMA?
MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy or molly, is a psychoactive drug first synthesized in 1912 by the pharmaceutical company Merck. Although it initially had no defined use, in the 1970s and 1980s it began to be used in experimental therapeutic settings and, later, as a recreational drug in the nightclub and music festival culture. Chemically, MDMA belongs to the phenethylamine class and has both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. Its main effect is related to the increase of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which produces intense feelings of well-being, emotional connection and energy.
Effects of MDMA
The effects of MDMA usually manifest between 30 and 60 minutes after ingestion, peaking at around 2-3 hours, and can last between 4 and 6 hours in total. These effects are classified as positive, negative and long-term risk.
Positive effects
- Euphoria: Intense feeling of happiness and well-being.
- Emotional connection: Increased empathy and desire to connect with other people.
- Increased energy: Increased physical activity and endurance.
- Sensory disturbances: Intensified sensations of light, sound and touch.
Immediate side effects
- Dry mouth.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding).
- Nausea.
- Excessive sweating.
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Risks and adverse effects
- Overdose: May cause hyperthermia (dangerous increase in body temperature), severe dehydration or kidney damage.
- Post-use depression: As serotonin levels are depleted, many users experience fatigue, anxiety or sadness in the days that follow.
- Cardiovascular risks: It can significantly increase blood pressure, which is dangerous for people with heart problems.
Long-term risks
- Neurotoxicity: Studies suggest that frequent use may damage the neurons responsible for serotonin.
- Memory problems: Associated with cognitive impairment in chronic users.
- Psychological dependence: Although it does not generate significant physical dependence, some people may develop compulsive consumption.
Legal and social context
MDMA is classified as a controlled substance in most countries, which means that its production, distribution and consumption are illegal in almost all contexts outside of medical research. However, there is growing interest in its therapeutic use to treat disorders such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), which has led to supervised clinical trials and discussions about its possible decriminalization for medical purposes.
Final considerations
While MDMA is known for its positive effects in recreational settings, its use is not without significant risks, especially when consumed without medical supervision. It is crucial that any discussion of this substance be approached from an informed and balanced perspective, highlighting both its therapeutic potentials and the dangers associated with its use.
