1912

MDMA first synthesized by Merck Pharmaceuticals. ¹

1914

MDMA patented by Merck Pharmaceuticals.

1953

The Army Chemical Center studied MDMA toxicity by giving MDMA to guinea pigs, rats, mice, monkeys, and dogs. ¹

1965

Alexander Shulgin synthesizes MDMA but does not yet try it. ²

c. 1967

The first small underground batches of MDMA are synthesized. Relatively few individuals have tried it at this point. ²

c. 1968

Alexander Shulgin begins working with MDMA personally and introducing others to it. ²

1976

The first scholarly article on MDMA is published. ³

c. 1977

MDMA begins to be available on the street as a recreational drug. ¹

1977

MDMA, as an analogue of MDA, was listed as a class A drug in the UK in 1977 and placed into Schedule I of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971. Equivalent to the FDA's schedule I rating, MDMA is deemed to have no medicinal use and carries the same legal penalties as diacetylmorphine, cocaine and d-LSD. Possession may result in up to 7 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine, whilst trafficking can result in life imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

1977 - 1981

Only eight individuals seek emergency room treatment after the use of MDMA during this four year period according to the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN). ¹

1981 - 1985

There are zero people who seek emergency room treatment after the use of MDMA during this four year period, according to the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN). ¹

May 31, 1985

MDMA banned federally