There’s a preconception surrounding dance culture in which outsiders are wary of the scene—fearing that they will be surrounded by geeked-out ravers gnashing their teeth and constantly asking everyone if they’ve seen ‘molly’. And while that particular breed of worry admittedly contains a grain of truth, a new study approved by the DEA to test the therapeutic potential of MDMA may help assuage fears of the drug itself.
Understand, however, that this study is on MDMA, not on ‘molly’ or ‘ecstasy’ (which, as we’ve covered numerous times before, could be literally anything). Sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, the non-profit organization commonly referred to as MAPS, the study will investigate MDMA’s ability to aid those suffering from mental anguish after contracting a terminal illness.
The investigation will be conducted by Dr. Phillip Wolfson, a psychotherapist who once used the drug in his practice before it was declared a Schedule I Narcotic in 1985. 18 individuals will undergo a year-and-a-half trial to determine the effectiveness of the compound in a therapeutic setting.
Infographic Courtesy of MAPS
Exciting as DEA approval for this type of the study is, the hubbub around this study does not lie in the approval itself. Indeed, the agency gave the go-ahead to numerous MDMA studies over the past decade. Rather, the excitement exists because it’s not a huge victory to get approval anymore. It’s commonplace, which means that perception is shifting away from instantaneous vilification.
This is huge.
Here at Dance Music Northwest, we do not condone drug use—but we do promote the pursuit of knowledge and approaching everything as objectively as possible. If the DEA, MAPS, and Dr. Wolfson can further scientific understanding of MDMA, and thereby improve education regarding the substance, then we think that’s pretty damn awesome.
Important things happen in Pacific Northwest nightlife, and DMNW will send you alerts!
