This past weekend we published an article concerning the difference between ecstasy and molly found in the US and Europe. Overwhelmingly, experts found that ecstasy in the US was more adulterated and less pure than similar pills and capsules in Europe.
Unfortunately, that hasn’t prevented the UK from experiencing the highest level of ecstasy-related deaths in the past 10 years. ITV reports that there has been a 600% increase in the UK in the last 5 years (Office for National Statistics).
While ecstasy in Europe seems to be objectively more pure than its counterpart in the US, the underlying problem is that pills are becoming stronger at the same time. One pill now might contain a relatively higher dose of MDMA than another pill did a year ago.
Dr Simon Brandt at Liverpool John Moores University, who tests ecstasy pills, says that dosages have increased two to three times in the past ten years. The average dose then was 80-120mg and those taking substances now, possibly for the first time, might not be prepared for the effects.
Testing kits, while effective at identifying adulterants in pills and powders, are not able to detect dosages, so it’s still important to only buy from trusted sources if you do at all. You can purchase a testing kit here.
