by Hanna Greenberg What is it?: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an empathogenic drug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine class. It can induce euphoria and mild psychedelia. Molly is advertised as the purest form of MDMA - but rarely actually is. The dangers: MDMA is a man-made drug, which allows for other drugs such as cocaine, PCP, amphetamines, Ritalin and even meth to be added without the knowledge of the user. When the pill contains these other substances, it boosts overall profits and increases addiction among users. The common side effects: Muscle tension, nausea, blurred vision and increased heart rate and blood pressure. In certain cases, overdose can occur and lead to death. Additionally, severe hangovers and lasting depression are common once the euphoria has ended. Overdose Symptoms: Side effects often include, but are not limited to: rapid heartbeat, overheating, excessive sweating, shivering and involuntary twitching. Legality: If a student is found on campus in possession or distributing Molly, it is considered a Schedule I Controlled Substance and results in automatic expulsion and prison sentences- even for minors. Unlicensed use, sale or manufacturing of MDMA are all criminal offenses, and can also lead to exstensive jail time.
by Cass Christopher “Has anyone seen Molly?” This was the question superstar Madonna asked her audience at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami, 2012. This was only the start of the huge Molly infestation that has taken over our concerts, music and culture the past couple years. Created in the 1970s for treating certain psychological disorders, the abuse of Molly has led to 22,498 MDMA-related visits to Emergency Rooms in 2011, a huge number compared to previous years. If you’ve never heard of Molly, think again. Miley Cyrus, Jay-Z, Kanye West, 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Madonna, Skrillex and countless Electronic Dance Music (EDM) artists have made references to Molly. Now that you know how invasive the drug is, listen to your favorite songs a little more closely and see if you can find Molly. EDM festivals and Hot 100 songs aren’t the only place Molly likes to hide. Molly has become a very common drug all over the nation, including Ashland, Oregon. Though it may not seem like the drug’s impact has hit us so hard here in Southern Oregon, Molly is becoming more and more of a problem each day. “There are anecdotal reports that parents are becoming aware of Molly,” AHS Dean of Students Russ Johnson said. “We [the staff] are learning and educating ourselves as well.” Molly is all over the media and is portrayed as a simple party drug, which it isn’t. If we start to believe Molly is harmless, however, there may be an issue in Ashland as well. Reflecting on the drug’s dangers, AHS Principal Ms. Zundel stated, “We want students to graduate with all their brain cells and their full potential intact. Using this or any other drug gets in the way of that.” Dominating the iTunes charts, attending almost every music festival and gradually appearing at more and more high schools and colleges every day, Molly is making her move and we need to be aware.