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Houston Criminal Lawyer: Arrested for Ecstasy Possession or Distribution?

While it may seem minor, an Ecstasy

possession or distribution offense can carry

serious penalties in Houston and throughout

Texas. Houston Criminal Lawyer Charles Johnson

has proven his success in defending those

charged with serious drug offenses. Attorney

Johnson understands what you are up against,

and knows the best defense strategies to preserve

your rights and your freedom.

Ecstasy is one of the most dangerous drugs

threatening young people today. Called MDMA

(3-4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) by

scientists, it is a synthetic chemical that can be derived from an essential oil of the sassafras tree. MDMA is

also one of the easiest illegal drugs to obtain. Its effects are similar to those of amphetamines and

hallucinogens. Distributed almost anywhere, it has become very popular at social events like raves, hip hop

parties, concerts, etc. frequented by both adults and youth. While not all “event” attendees use Ecstasy, the

drug often makes the circuit of these parties and can set up dangerous circumstances that can affect everyone

there.

What is Ecstasy?

MDMA or Ecstasy is a Schedule I, synthetic, psychoactive drug possessing stimulant and hallucinogenic

properties. Ecstasy possesses chemical variations of the stimulant amphetamine or methamphetamine and a

hallucinogen, most often mescaline. Ecstasy is a semi-synthetic chemical compound. Ecstasy is a white,

crystalline powder in its pure form. It is usually seen in capsule form, in pressed pills, or as loose powder.

Average cost ranges from $10-$30 (U.S.) a dose. Ecstasy is rarely consumed with alcohol, as alcohol is

believed to diminish its effects. It is most often distributed at late-night parties called “raves”, nightclubs, and

rock concerts. As the rave and club scene expands to metropolitan and suburban areas across the country,

ecstasy use and distribution are increasing as well.

MDMA is a “mood elevator” that produces a relaxed, euphoric state. It does not produce

hallucinations.

MDMA takes effect 20 to 40 minutes after taking a tablet, with little rushes of exhilaration which can

be accompanied by nausea. 60 to 90 minutes after taking the drug, the user feels the peak effects.

Sensations are enhanced and the user experiences hightened feelings of empathy, emotional warmth,

and self-acceptance.

The effects of ‘real’ ecstasy subside after about 3-5 hours.

Users report that the experience is very pleasant and highly controllable. Even at the peak of the

effect, people can usually deal with important matters.

The effect that makes MDMA different from other drugs is that it increases a sense of empathy, or the

sensation of understanding and accepting others.

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Teenagers and young adults are the primary abusers of MDMA; however, MDMA is gaining popularity among

older users. According to TCADA, MDMA-related treatment admissions to TCADA-funded treatment facilities

increased from 63 in 1998 to 521 in 2002. MDMA is widely available throughout Texas, particularly in

metropolitan areas such as Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. DAWN data indicate that MDMA ED

mentions in the Dallas metropolitan area increased dramatically from 17 in 1997 to 77 in 2001. Contributing

to the threat is increasing MDMA availability in suburban and rural areas. Law enforcement authorities in Bee,

Gonzales, and Wharton Counties report increased MDMA availability in their jurisdictions.

What is the history of ecstasy?

MDMA was patented as long ago as 1913 by the German company Merck. Rumor has it that the drug was sold

as a slimming pill along with comic descriptions of its strange side effects, although it was never marketed and

the patent doesn’t mention uses. The next time it came to light was in 1953 when the US army tested a

number of drugs for military applications – again, folklore says it was tried as a truth drug but there is no

evidence for this.

The years between 1977 and 1985 are viewed as the ‘golden age’ of Ecstasy. In psychotherapy, its use only

appealed to a few experimental therapists since it didn’t fit in with the usual 50-minute psychotherapy

session. The therapists that did use it include some of the most dynamic people in the field, including some

who claimed that a five hour Ecstasy session was as good as 5 months of therapy.

By 1984 MDMA was still legal and was being used widely among students in the USA under its new name

‘Ecstasy’. (Rumor has it that a big-time dealer called it ‘Empathy’, although the name is more appropriate, he

found that Ecstasy had more sales appeal.) In Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, Ecstasy was even on sale in bars

where you could pay by credit card. It replaced cocaine as the drug of choice among yuppies and even spread

to people who normally kept well clear of drugs. However, it was this public and unashamed use that resulted

in the drug being outlawed.

The criminalization of ecstasy in America has wide-ranging consequences. The first was to prevent the drug

being used by professional therapists, except in Switzerland. The second was to reduce the quality of the drug

as sold on the street, because demand was now met by clandestine laboratories and the drug was distributed

through the criminal network. Although the number of users was dramatically reduced at first, criminalization

did not prevent the drug’s popularity from spreading worldwide.

Nicknames and Street Names for Ecstasy

Ecstasy usually appears as a small pill or tablet in various colors, sometimes with a logo stamped on it. Here

are the common nicknames and street names for Ecstasy:

X, E, or XTC

Adam

Beans

Candy

Dancing Shoes

Disco Biscuits

Doves

E-bomb

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Egg Rolls

Happy Pill

Hug Drug

Love Drug

Malcolm (or Malcolm X)

Scooby Snacks

Smartees

Sweets

Skittles

Thizz

Vitamin E or Vitamin X

Vowels

Slang Terms for Ecstasy Use and Abuse

Here are some common slang terms for using Ecstasy or to describe someone who uses Ecstasy:

Drop, Double Drop

Thizzing

Flip or Flipping

Roll, Rolling

Cuddle Puddle, E-Puddle

E-tard

Raver, Raving

What does it look like?

Ecstasy usually comes in a tablet form that is often branded. Such logos or trademarks include CK (Calvin

Klein), shamrocks, stars, Woody the Woodpecker, Dino, Pinocchio, Snoopy, Love, and many other colors,

symbols/logos. A sample of several logo/trademark tablets are shown below:

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It is clear that most of the logos/trademarks found on Ecstasy tablets are aimed at young adults. The

logos/trademarks entice one to believe that Ecstasy is safe, almost candy-like. Do not be fooled. While

attractive and interesting, these tablets, even in their purest form, contain a dangerous controlled substance

that could take your life. Keep in mind that it is not uncommon for such pills to be tainted with dangerous

substances other than Ecstasy. Ecstasy is not produced in safely regulated laboratory environments where the

contents of what goes into the drug are closely scrutinized.

How is it used?

Ecstasy is usually taken in pill form and swallowed and it can also be injected. Some users have been known

to crush and snort the resulting powder. Others insert the pill into the anus where it is absorbed. This

process is known as “shafting.” Liquid Ecstasy is actually GHB, a nervous system depressant—a substance

that can also be found in drain cleaner, floor stripper and degreasing solvents.

What is the dosage?

E is almost always swallowed as a tablet or capsule. A normal dose is around 100-125 mg.Black market

“ecstasy” tablets vary widely in strength, and often contain other drugs.

How Is MDMA Abused?

MDMA is taken orally, usually as a capsule or tablet. It was initially popular among Caucasian adolescents and

young adults in the nightclub scene or at weekend-long dance parties known as raves. More recently, the

profile of the typical MDMA user has changed, with the drug now affecting a broader range of ethnic groups.

MDMA is also popular among urban gay males—some report using MDMA as part of a multiple-drug

experience that includes marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, sildenafil (Viagra), and other legal

and illegal substances.

What are its short-term effects?

Users report that Ecstasy produces intensely pleasurable effects — including an enhanced sense of self-

confidence and energy. Effects include feelings of peacefulness, acceptance and empathy. Users say they

experience feelings of closeness with others and a desire to touch others. Other effects can include involuntary

teeth clenching, a loss of inhibitions, transfixion on sights and sounds, nausea, blurred vision, chills and/or

sweating. Increases in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as seizures, are also possible. The stimulant

effects of the drug enable users to dance for extended periods, which when combined with the hot crowded

conditions usually found at raves, can lead to severe dehydration and hyperthermia or dramatic increases in

body temperature. This can lead to muscle breakdown and kidney, liver

and cardiovascular failure. Cardiovascular failure has been reported in some of the Ecstasy-related fatalities.

After-effects can include sleep problems, anxiety and depression.

Impaired judgment

False sense of affection

Confusion

Depression

Sleep problems

Severe anxiety

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Paranoia

Drug cravings

Muscle tension

Faintness and chills or swelling

Involuntary teeth clenching

Blurred vision

Nausea

What are its long-term effects?

Repeated use of Ecstasy ultimately may damage the cells that produce serotonin, which has an

important role in the regulation of mood, appetite, pain, learning and memory. There already is research

suggesting Ecstasy use can disrupt or interfere with memory.

Long-lasting brain damage affecting thought and memory

Damage to portions of the brain that regulate critical functions such as learning, sleep and emotion

It is as if the brain switchboard was torn apart, then rewired backwards

Degenerated nerve branches and nerve endings

Depression, anxiety, memory loss

Kidney failure

Hemorrhaging

Psychosis

Cardiovascular collapse

Convulsions

Death

What are some types of paraphernalia associated with Ecstasy use?

Pacifiers, Blo-pops, Popsicle sticks

M&Ms, Skittles, Tootsie-Rolls, Candy necklaces

Glo-sticks, Bottled water

Dust / surgical masks

Vicks Vapor Rub

Strobe lights

Suppository bottles

The pacifier is used to prevent the grinding of teeth that is often a physical side effect when using Ecstasy.

Glow sticks are used to increase the visual psychedelic effects associated with the use of Ecstasy. Vapor rub in

a surgical mask that is placed over the nose and mouth is used to enhance the euphoric effects of Ecstasy.

None of these items alone indicates use of Ecstasy. However, in the right context, such items are tools which

enhance the Ecstasy “high,” and cut down on the undesirable effects of the drug.

How Does MDMA Affect the Brain?

MDMA exerts its primary effects in the brain on neurons that use the chemical (or neurotransmitter) serotonin

to communicate with other neurons. The serotonin system plays an important role in regulating mood,

aggression, sexual activity, sleep, and sensitivity to pain. MDMA binds to the serotonin transporter, which is

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responsible for removing serotonin from the synapse (or space between adjacent neurons) to terminate the

signal between neurons; thus MDMA increases and prolongs the serotonin signal. MDMA also enters the

serotonergic neurons via the transporter (because MDMA resembles serotonin in chemical structure) where it

causes excessive release of serotonin from the neurons. MDMA has similar effects on another

neurotransmitter—norepinephrine, which can cause increases in heart rate and blood pressure. MDMA also

releases dopamine, but to a much lesser extent.

MDMA can produce confusion, depression, sleep problems, drug craving, and severe anxiety. These problems

can occur soon after taking the drug or, sometimes, even days or weeks after taking MDMA. In addition,

chronic users of MDMA perform more poorly than nonusers on certain types of cognitive or memory tasks,

although some of these effects may be due to the use of other drugs in combination with MDMA. Research in

animals indicates that MDMA can be harmful to the brain—one study in nonhuman primates showed that

exposure to MDMA for only 4 days caused damage to serotonin nerve terminals that was still evident 6 to 7

years later. Although similar neurotoxicity has not been shown definitively in humans, the wealth of animal

research indicating MDMA’s damaging properties strongly suggests that MDMA is not a safe drug for human

consumption.

Addictive Potential

For some people, MDMA can be addictive. A survey of young adult and adolescent MDMA users found that 43

percent of those who reported ecstasy use met the accepted diagnostic criteria for dependence, as evidenced

by continued use despite knowledge of physical or psychological harm, withdrawal effects, and tolerance (or

diminished response). These results are consistent with those from similar studies in other countries that

suggest a high rate of MDMA dependence among users. MDMA abstinence-associated withdrawal symptoms

include fatigue, loss of appetite, depressed feelings, and trouble concentrating.

What Other Adverse Effects Does MDMA Have on Health?

MDMA can also be dangerous to overall health and, on rare occasions, lethal. MDMA can have many of the

same physical effects as other stimulants, such as cocaine and amphetamines. These include increases in

heart rate and blood pressure—which present risks of particular concern for people with circulatory problems

or heart disease—and other symptoms such as muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred

vision, faintness, and chills or sweating.

In high doses, MDMA can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature. On rare but unpredictable

occasions, this can lead to a sharp increase in body temperature (hyperthermia), which can result in liver,

kidney, cardiovascular system failure, or death. MDMA can interfere with its own metabolism (breakdown

within the body); therefore, potentially harmful levels can be reached by repeated MDMA administration within

short periods of time. Other drugs that are chemically similar to MDMA, such as MDA

(methylenedioxyamphetamine, the parent drug of MDMA) and PMA (paramethoxyamphetamine, associated

with fatalities in the United States and Australia), are sometimes sold as ecstasy. These drugs can be

neurotoxic or create additional health risks to the user. Furthermore, ecstasy tablets may contain other

substances, such as ephedrine (a stimulant); dextromethorphan (DXM, a cough suppressant); ketamine (an

anesthetic used mostly by veterinarians); caffeine; cocaine; and methamphetamine. Although the combination

of MDMA with one or more of these drugs may be inherently dangerous, users who also combine these with

additional substances such as marijuana and alcohol may be putting themselves at even higher risk for

adverse health effects.

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What Treatment Options Exist?

There are no specific treatments for MDMA abuse and addiction. The most effective treatments for drug abuse

and addiction in general are cognitive-behavioral interventions that are designed to help modify the patient’s

thinking, expectancies, and behaviors related to their drug use and to increase skills in coping with life

stressors. Drug abuse recovery support groups may also be effective in combination with behavioral

interventions to support long-term, drug-free recovery. There are currently no pharmacological treatments for

addiction to MDMA.

What are the symptoms of ecstasy withdrawal?

The most common ecstasy withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:

depression

anxiety

panic attacks

sleeplessness

“de-personalization”

“de-realization”

paranoid delusions

Ecstasy Distribution

Ecstasy is NOT legally produced anywhere in the world. Most of the MDMA abused in Texas is produced in the

Netherlands and Belgium. MDMA production may be emerging in Texas, but to a very limited extent. MDMA is

smuggled into Texas from Canada, Europe, and Mexico primarily by Israeli criminal groups. To a lesser extent,

Dominican criminal groups also smuggle MDMA into Texas. MDMA transporters use several means to smuggle

the drug, including couriers on foot entering the United States from Mexico, couriers traveling on commercial

and private aircraft, private vehicles, and via package delivery services.

Caucasian local independent dealers and, to a lesser extent, Asian criminal groups, are the primary wholesale

and retail distributors of MDMA in Texas. Many retail-level MDMA distributors in Texas are middle and upper-

middle class Caucasian high school or college students. MDMA typically is distributed at colleges, raves,

nightclubs, and private parties. MDMA distributed in Texas often is stamped with a brand name or a logo.

According to DEA, in the fourth quarter of FY2002 MDMA sold for $25 per tablet in Dallas, $16 to $20 per

tablet in El Paso, and $10 to $30 per tablet in Houston.

MDMA also is transported from Texas to destinations in other U.S. states. For example, some Asian criminal

groups transport shipments of MDMA from Texas, primarily overland, to major drug markets on the East

Coast.

A large proportion of the retail trade is conducted by people buying for their friends without making a profit,

although usually gaining a few free tablets for their own consumption. Then there are the dealers who are

trusted as connoisseurs of the drug, and will describe the subtle qualities of the particular batch from personal

experience. This type of dealer never sells to the public but only to regular clients who respect them, so the

dealer cannot afford to provide poor quality.

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Another variation, more common among working class men, is for friends to arrange a meeting place, usually

a pub, before a rave. One person knows of a supply and collects money on behalf of the others, then returns

with the drugs which cost each person less than if they had bought separately. This method carries more risk,

either of losing your money or of getting poor quality. The person buying for the others also runs the risk of

far greater penalties.

A more commercial form of supply is by individuals who buy 100 or so and are either ‘known’ at certain clubs,

or go around offering them for sale. They may be honest, especially if they are known, but they may also be

selling fake pills. A new trend is for ‘retail specialists’ to sell in a club or at a rave. These are organized gangs,

but probably not part of a large syndicate. They cooperate with security staff or the promoters of raves and

clubs. The club or rave organisers put on a show of heavy security, searching people on their way in so as to

exclude dealers. This leaves the way open for the gang to sell inside. Some members go around asking people

if they want to buy drugs without carrying stock themselves so that, if arrested, they will not be accused of

‘supply’ and may get off with a fine. The stock and money is carried by members who are well protected by

body guards, and lookouts warn of police activity inside and outside the venue. They have contingency plans

worked out in case of a surprise raid, for example members who are free of drugs might cause a fight so as to

attract the attention of the police while those carrying drugs and money escape.

Punishment for Ecstasy Possession, Distribution or Manufacturing

MDMA is a controlled substance in Texas. Unlike a state such as California, which has not explicitly

scheduled MDMA, but instead considers it as within its broad “controlled substance analogue” provisions,

MDMA is an explicitly scheduled substance in Texas. MDMA has been placed it in “Group 2” of the Texas

controlled substance hierarchy. (See Tex. Health & Safety Code, Sec. 481.103).

Punishment for Simple Possession of MDMA

The punishment for simple possession of MDMA in Texas is dependent upon the weight of the MDMA (See Tex.

Health & Saf. Code, Sec. 481.116):

Less than 1 gram = “state felony” with a mandatory minimum of 180 days in county jail up to 2 years

and a fine of up to $10,000. (Tex Pen. Code, Sec. 12.35).

1 gram, but less than 4 grams = “felony 3rd degree” with a mandatory 2 year minimum, up to 10

years, and a fine of up to $10,000. (Pen. Code, Sec. 12.34.)

4 grams, but less than 400 grams = “felony 2nd degree” with a mandatory 2 year minimum, up to 20

years, and fine of up to $10,000 (Pen. Code, Sec. 12.33)

400 grams or more = mandatory 5 year minimum, with possible life imprisonment (Health & Saf.

Code, Sec. 481.116)

Punishment for distributing or manufacturing MDMA, possessing it with the intent to distribute

Distributing or manufacturing MDMA, possessing it with the intent to distribute it is punishable as follows. (See

Tex. Health & Saf. Code, Sec. 481.113):

Less than 1 gram = “state felony ” with a mandatory minimum sentence of 180 days in county jail up

to 2 years and a fine of up to $10,000. (Tex Pen. Code, Sec. 12.35).

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1 gram, but less than 4 grams = “felony 2nd degree” with a mandatory 2 year minimum, up to 20

years, and fine of up to $10,000 (Pen. Code, Sec. 12.33)

4 grams, but less than 400 grams = “felony 1st degree” with a mandatory 5 year minimum, up to

possible life imprisonment and maximum $10,000 fine. (See Pen. Code, Sec. 12.32)

400 grams or more = mandatory 10 year minimum, with possible life imprisonment (Health & Saf.

Code, Sec. 481.113)

Hire the Best Houston Criminal Lawyer: The Charles Johnson Law Firm

If you or your child has been arrested or charged with any crime involving ecstasy, you must act

quickly. The drug laws are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate without the assistance of a skilled

criminal defense attorney. Texas treats all Ecstasy crimes harshly. No one accused of an Ecstasy crime should

attempt to handle their case without a good lawyer. The law provides the maximum possible sentence and it is

up to your attorney to fight for your rights and work to improve your situation. At the Charles Johnson Law

Firm, we have successfully defended many types of drug charges throughout Texas and we can expertly

handle your Houston Ecstasy case.

Anyone under investigation for sales, possession, under the influence, manufacturing, trafficking, importing,

distributing or transporting ecstasy can expect very serious penalties if convicted. At the Charles Johnson Law

Firm, we help clients who have been arrested for drug crimes involving ecstasy. Do not give up hope, even if

you feel there may be solid evidence against you or a loved one, there are still many legal defenses that may

help to have your charges minimized or dismissed entirely. Take advantage of the free initial consultation to

discuss your options. The free consultation is an opportunity to discuss your case in detail and Houston

Criminal Lawyer Charles Johnson will answer any questions that you may have regarding your ecstasy

charges.

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Houston Criminal Lawyer: Arrested for Ecstasy Possession or Distribution?

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Call us at 713-222-7577 or toll free at 877-308-0100.

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