Number: RS21108
Title: Ecstasy: Legislative Proposals in the 107th Congress to Control MDMA
Authors: Mark Eddy, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: Legislation was proposed in the 107th Congress to combat the trafficking and abuse of MDMA or Ecstasy, an amphetamine compound that was made a controlled substance in the United States in 1985. In a 2001 survey, 12 percent of 12th graders reported ever having taken the drug. The Ecstasy Anti-Proliferation Act of 2000, enacted by the 106th Congress, directed the U.S. Sentencing Commission to increase penalties for Ecstasy offenses. As of March 2001, MDMA penalties became more severe than for powder cocaine but less severe than for heroin. The Ecstasy Prevention Act of 2001 (S. 1208/H.R. 2582) would have encouraged local communities to crack down on raves (all-night dance parties where Ecstasy and other drugs are sold and used) and authorizing additional funds to be used in High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas for anti-Ecstasy law enforcement activities. The Senate attached a version of S. 108 to the Department of Justice authorization act (H.R. 2215), but it was deleted in conference. H.R. 3138 and H.R. 3782 would also have opposed Ecstasy and other club drugs bud did not see action.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated January 22, 2003