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MDMA (3, 4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine): EACD Advice to the Minister

Date of publication: May 2004

This paper presents evidence on the risk of harm associated with 3,4, methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA], an amphetamine-type stimulant with hallucinogenic qualities.
  • MDMA is currently a controlled drug under Part 2 of the Second Schedule of the Act.
  • The key issues that the EACD considered when assessing the current classification of MDMA included:
  • Sharply rising prevalence of MDMA use and importation into New Zealand
  • Mounting evidence that Ecstasy-type drugs have a neurotoxic effect
  • No conclusive evidence that MDMA has any therapeutic application
  • MDMA seems likely to be proven to be moderately dependence-producing
  • Worrying links between New Zealand's MDMA market and organised crime
  • Increasing number of cases of attempted MDMA manufacture in New Zealand
  • MDMA is classified as a Schedule I or a Class A drug in other jurisdictions
Based on the evidence presented in this paper, the EACD recommends that presumption for supply of MDMA be set at 5 grams or more of MDMA, whether or not it is contained in a substance, preparation or mixture.

Document availability

This publication is available in PDF format.

EACD advice on MDMA (PDF, 412 KB)



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