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Molly is a synthetic drug that contains a mix of unknown and dangerous chemicals. It is most commonly found in capsule or powder form and is popular among young first-time drug users and electronic dance music fans. In Australia, the use, possession, and trafficking of MDMA and related drugs are criminal offences. However, there is a growing movement advocating for the legal and regulated use of MDMA in the country. This article will explore the legality of Molly in Australia and discuss the potential risks and benefits of its use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality of MDMA in Australia | Prohibited unless for research or restricted medical purposes |
| Offences | Manufacture, traffic, possess or use |
| First seized by police | 1986, Sydney |
| Legality of import | Prohibited unless the importer holds a licence and permit issued by the ODC |
| Legality of Molly | Illegal |
| Reasons for illegality | Toxic mix of unknown chemicals, dangerous synthetic drugs that have not been tested |
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What You'll Learn
MDMA and psilocybin are illegal in Australia
MDMA and psilocybin are illegal for recreational use in Australia. However, as of July 1, 2023, medicines containing these psychedelic substances can be prescribed by specifically authorised psychiatrists for the treatment of certain mental health conditions. MDMA can be prescribed for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while psilocybin can be prescribed for treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy or molly, is a synthetic drug that affects the central nervous system, causing euphoric highs, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, blood vessel constriction, and sweating. It can also prevent the body from regulating temperature. Psilocybin, on the other hand, is a psychedelic substance naturally present in over 200 species of mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms. These mushrooms have been used by Indigenous communities for over a thousand years and can induce hallucinations and altered perceptions of senses, reality, time, and emotions.
The decision to allow the prescription of these previously illicit drugs in Australia is considered controversial by some. While several research studies have suggested the legitimacy of these treatments for mental health conditions, many scientists argue that research has not yet conclusively shown that these drugs are safe or effective. There are concerns about insufficient regulation governing access to the drugs, and critics argue that the decision may have been rushed.
To address these concerns, Australia has implemented several safeguards. Prescriptions for MDMA and psilocybin are strictly controlled and limited to psychiatrists with specialised qualifications and expertise in treating serious mental health conditions. Psychiatrists must be approved under the Authorised Prescriber Scheme by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), ensuring that the medications are only prescribed in medically controlled environments. Specific training requirements have also been established for clinicians, including medical and psychiatric evaluations prior to use, monitoring of patient responses, and supportive integration therapy.
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Molly is a dangerous synthetic drug
In all jurisdictions in Australia, it is an offence to manufacture, traffic, possess or use MDMA. Molly is a synthetic drug that mimics the effects of MDMA and is, therefore, a dangerous and illegal substance in Australia.
Molly is a toxic mix of unknown chemicals, with users having no idea what they are taking or at what dosage. The formulas for these synthetic drugs are constantly changing, and they are manufactured without any consideration for the effects on the user. The DEA has found about 200 individual chemical compounds since 2009 and 80 new compounds since 2012. As soon as a compound is discovered and banned, another one is created to take its place.
The lab-created chemicals in Molly are designed to mimic the effects of MDMA, which include increased energy and feelings of empathy and intimacy between individuals. The chemicals in Molly are mostly central nervous system stimulants that cause euphoric highs, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, blood vessel constriction, and sweating. They can also impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature. Some of the chemicals in Molly have been reported to cause intense, prolonged panic attacks, psychosis, and seizures. After the effects of the drug wear off, users can experience devastating depression.
The chemicals in Molly are sourced from laboratories in China and sold online. Middlemen in the United States and worldwide combine it with other substances and either encapsulate it or sell it as a powder. Molly is often marketed to young, first-time drug users between the ages of 12 and 17, as well as fans of rave and electronic dance music who may be seeking MDMA.
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The DEA has seen about 200 chemical compounds since 2009
The drug "Molly" is a dangerous mix of unknown chemicals, with formulas that are constantly changing. The DEA has seen about 200 chemical compounds since 2009, and 80 new compounds since 2012. These synthetic drugs are manufactured with no regard for how they affect the user, and the ingredients and doses can vary significantly from batch to batch. This makes taking these compounds extremely risky, as users have no idea what they are taking or at what dosage.
In Australia, the Office of Drug Control (ODC) regulates the import and export of psychotropic substances, including MDMA and psilocybine. While these substances are prohibited for recreational use, they can be used for research and restricted medical purposes under strict controls. The importation of MDMA and psilocybine is only permitted with a licence and permit issued by the ODC, and each consignment requires a separate permit.
The ODC also reports on the quantities of MDMA and psilocybine manufactured, sold, used, and held in stock in Australia to meet international drug convention obligations. While the ODC regulates the import and export of these substances, the state and territory governments regulate their use under their poisons legislation.
The decision to reschedule MDMA and psilocybine acknowledges the lack of treatment options for patients with specific treatment-resistant mental illnesses. This change applies to final preparations, so the raw material or active pharmaceutical ingredient remains classified as a prohibited drug. While the ODC does not have the power to grant permission for the manufacture of MDMA, it does regulate the import and export of these substances, ensuring compliance with international drug conventions.
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The importation of MDMA is prohibited without a licence and permit
MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, is illegal in Australia. It is classified as a prohibited drug, and it is an offence to manufacture, traffic, possess or use it. The Office of Drug Control (ODC) regulates the import and export of psychotropic substances, including MDMA, under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
To obtain a licence and permit for importing MDMA, authorised prescribers must complete the Special Access Scheme/AP import application on the ODC website. The ODC will then verify with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) that the AP is approved to prescribe the drugs to be imported. Pharmacists may also be able to import MDMA on behalf of authorised prescribers, but they must also complete the Special Access Scheme/AP import application and provide details of the AP who will be prescribing the imported goods.
It is important to note that the regulations and controls over the manufacture and supply of MDMA may vary between states and territories in Australia. While the ODC regulates the import and export of psychotropic substances at the national level, each state and territory government also has its own poisons legislation to regulate substances like MDMA. Therefore, it is essential to check the specific laws and regulations in each state or territory regarding the importation, manufacture, and supply of MDMA.
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There is a movement to make drug use legal and safe in Australia
Drug laws in Australia are complex, with some laws being federal and others being state or territory-based. The legislative document that determines how a substance is restricted is called the Poisons Standard, which is managed and regularly updated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) through public consultation.
While Molly, a synthetic drug that mimics the effects of MDMA, is illegal in Australia, there is a growing movement to make drug use legal and safe in the country. The movement advocates for a shift from a law enforcement approach to a health response, arguing that drug prohibition laws do not stop people from using drugs or protect families. Renowned figures such as international author Johann Hari, former High Court Justice The Hon Michael Kirby, and leading addiction specialist Dr John Sherman have joined the movement. They highlight the health, social, economic, and law enforcement costs of drug prohibition, noting that after 50 years of harsh enforcement, illicit drugs are more accessible than ever.
Support for decriminalisation in Australia has been growing. As of October 2023, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has introduced a form of decriminalisation where possession and personal use are not criminal offences. Instead, individuals found with small amounts of drugs may receive a fine or referral to a health/treatment service. This approach has also been adopted by South Australia (SA) and the Northern Territory (NT). While decriminalisation in practice allows police and courts to use their discretion, it does not make the sale or dealing of drugs legal.
Additionally, there is evidence that decriminalisation does not encourage drug use or increase drug-taking in communities. On the contrary, it may have the opposite effect, as more people can access treatment for their dependence. This is particularly relevant in the context of Molly, which is often marketed to young first-time drug users between the ages of 12 and 17. The unpredictable nature of Molly, with varying ingredients and dosages across different batches, makes it extremely dangerous, and several deaths have been attributed to its use.
In summary, there is a movement in Australia advocating for the legal and safe use of drugs, driven by the recognition that current prohibition laws have limited effectiveness and can cause more harm than good. While Molly remains illegal, the push for decriminalisation aims to address the health and social issues associated with drug use, providing alternative pathways to treatment and education rather than criminalisation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Molly is illegal in Australia. It is classified as a prohibited drug and it is an offence to manufacture, traffic, possess or use it. Molly is a dangerous synthetic drug that contains a toxic mix of unknown chemicals.
Molly is a synthetic drug that is produced in laboratories, most often found in capsule or powder form. It is made up of a variety of chemicals that create a euphoric high and mimic the effects of MDMA.
Molly was first seized by police in Sydney in 1986. Following this, the National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC) recommended that all states prohibit MDMA and related drugs. This recommendation was based on the decisions made by the DEA and the WHO.
Molly is dangerous because it contains a mix of unknown and constantly changing chemicals. This means that users do not know what they are taking or in what dosage. These unknown chemicals can cause rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, blood vessel constriction, sweating, and can prevent the body from regulating temperature. They have also been linked to intense panic attacks, psychosis, seizures, and devastating depression.
