MDMA (Ecstasy)
What is MDMA?
Popularly consumed in pill form and sometimes better known as “molly” or “ecstasy”, the synthetic MDMA’s effects are often described as euphoric and highly sensual. Depending on dosage, the experience usually lasts 3-8 hours.
You can find Canada’s webpage on MDMA here.
Is MDMA Legal in Canada?
For the most part, no. MDMA is illegal under Canadian federal criminal law. It can only be used legally in cases where Health Canada grants a s. 56 exemption or Special Access Program request.
However, on January 31, 2023, personal possession of up to 2.5 grams of MDMA was decriminalized in British Columbia pursuant to a federal s. 56 exemption. Nonetheless, Health Canada prescribes certain circumstances in which possession of MDMA in the province will still be a criminal offense.
Canada first prohibited MDMA in 1968 when its primary metabolite MDA (methylenedioxyamphetamine) was added to the Food and Drugs Act.
It is now prohibited under Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, where its primary metabolite, N-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, is explicitly prohibited as an amphetamine.
Medical or Therapeutic Use?
Studies suggest that MDMA used under proper conditions may help those struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma. MDMA also has a long history of use in the context of relationship therapy.
In January 2022, Health Canada amended regulations pertaining to the Special Access Program (SAP). The new regulations allow medical professionals to request MDMA for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions where other therapies fail to help a patient or are otherwise unsuitable or unavailable in Canada.