Summary of research

Latest version:

• We are specifically discussing MDMA that has been sent to a lab (such as Energy Control or Drugs Data), tested with some form of GCMS or other lab testing, found to be MDMA, but presents with a different effects profile than typical MDMA. We are not discussing un-tested product that could be anything or contain any adulterant.
• “Loss of magic” does not explain the issue, because the alternate effects profile has been experienced by users new to MDMA, including MDMA virgins and users with a short history of use. Also, many users who have experienced this sub-par MDMA go on to experience traditional MDMA from other batches of product with no loss of quality to the experience.
• “Set and Setting” does not explain the issue because it has been experienced across multiple settings/environments/circumstances. Furthermore, multiple users report experiencing the sub-par effects from one batch, and then trying a different batch and easily rolling with a traditional effects profile.
• Dosage does not explain the issue, because the questionable products have been tested in a wide range of doses from low to high with no improvement in effects.
• Route of administration does not change the issue, as several users report alternate routes of administration with no change in effects.
• No, we do not mean to imply that ALL modern MDMA is of poor quality. Obviously, there is plenty of high-quality MDMA out there. However, there is a large amount of poor-quality product available, and it has been reported across multiple continents and regions.
• Although we have not currently identified the specific nature of this problem, we have discussed a variety of possibilities based on published research articles. Some of the possible explanations are: undetected contaminants, structurally similar compounds that present as MDMA to GCMS, metabolic/liver processing issues, drug polymorphism, and isomer ratios.
• Please review the below chart for a simplified visual of what has been noted by many contributors to this thread over the last several years. These are generalizations based on observations and may not be true in every circumstance.

Effect	Traditional (Magic) MDMA	Subpar (Meh) MDMA
Mydriasis (eye dilation)	Yes	No
Enhanced tactile senses	Yes	No
Enhanced auditory senses	Yes	No
Enhanced aesthetic appreciation of music	Yes	No
Feelings of euphoria	Yes	No
Feelings of empathy	Yes	No
Pro-social behaviors	Yes	No
Energy	Yes	No
Feeling sleepy	No	Yes
Active desire to disengage from social interaction	No	Yes
Enhanced sex/making out	Yes	No
Feelings of love	Yes	No
Desire to be still	No	Yes
Jaw movement	Yes	Yes
Profuse Sweating/Feeling Hot	Yes	No
Feeling cold in warm environments	No	Yes
Duration	4-6 hours	1-3 hours
Comedown	Typically, gradual	Typically, abrupt