molly
IN PHOTO. MDMA is a key ingredient in Ecstasy. It's now being mixed with other synthetic drugs and being sold as 'Molly.' Reuters/ Paulo Santos

A number of people have been hospitalized and remain in critical condition after ingesting the drug “Molly.” Although Molly seemed like a new term for many, millions have actually used a form of the drug in recreational ways. Here are some facts about Molly and why it is lethally dangerous.

About Molly

Molly is short for the word “molecule.” It is a drug that contains some of the elements present in the popular recreational drug “Ecstasy” or MDMA, which means 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Based on a report by Today.com, experts say that Molly contains all MDMA in crystalline powder form placed inside a capsule. It is actually a concentrated form of ecstasy, although users will never know whether the product they are taking is pure or diluted with other substances.

Growing Popularity

Because of the popularity of ecstasy and its common ingredients with Molly, the latter has become widespread and said to trigger effects like euphoria, feelings of grandeur and invincibility, hallucinations and other psychedelic symptoms. Molly is currently priced at around $30 to $40 for a 100-milligram capsule.

The Associated Dangers

The drug may not be pure as what street vendors claim and can be mixed with other harmful chemicals and substances that can lead to life-threatening symptoms. Some of the short-term side effects of Molly include confusion, increased blood pressure and heartbeat, sweating, anxiety and irritability. Long term effects of the drug can include depression, hallucinations, intense panic attacks, seizures, psychosis and suicidal tendencies.

Street vendors also acquire their stocks from foreign manufacturers, which can add various synthetic materials to the drug like marijuana, bath salts, herbs and banned elements. Many of the chemicals in the mix have no true legitimate purpose.

CNN reported that Molly is being sold to teenagers 12 to 17 years old. Compared to MDMA and other illegal drugs that have definite effects on the human body, the synthetic substances in Molly are not fully known in terms of their effects on each user. The ingredients can vary from one source to another and the dosage recommendations also change depending on the concentration. Therefore, the margin for error is huge and death will result inevitably with long term use.