Ecstasy

Ecstasy

Introduction

The uses of certain illegal drugs that bring chemical imbalance to the brain have been a serious concern for the state and federal management for a larger period now. The problem has been escalating in Americaowed to high financial costs which is likely to reach over $170 billion in 2003. This cost includes lost productivity, health care costs and criminal activities and judicial expenditures related with abuse of such drugs. There has been a considerable amount of people who were arrested in the United States in 2001 for violations related with drug abuse. The federal Office National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)is responsible to control and monitor the use of illegal drugs.Ecstasy (MDMA) is a drug from the family of phenethylamine and is a stimulant drug that immediately takes the person into euphoria. Mostly, it is thought to be a fun drug and is associated with taking them in clubs. The main effects of this drug are that it increases awareness of all the senses, feelings of honesty, love, lucidity and increased appreciation of songs and movement. In this physical contact with others become an enjoyable thing and its side effects include jaw tightening and high pulse.

Discussion

The use of Ecstasy usage by the teenagers and young adults has today reached high levels (National Alliance for Drug Enforcement Agencies, 2001). A study on this drug has shown that ecstasy can createlong term and sometimes lastingharm to the serotonin structure of the brain. There are certain legislation that will be discussed in this paper to get better understanding of the drug, its state and federal laws. Ecstasy is known to give many problems in the long term with memory and learning as well. The high demand of this drug has led a 300% increase in imports of ecstasy and other drugs related with disbalancing the chemicals of the brain as verified by United States Customs Examination.This has increased in the number of issues being dealt by the law enforcement agencies. The drugs are specifically marketed to the youth of the nation in clubs and there needs to be an appropriate strategy that can prevent further harm.

Federal and State Anti-drug Laws

Congress has taken strong stance toward drug addicts and casual user's aswell.The Ecstasy prevention Act of 2001 has called out for a organized a policy for stoppage, handling and enforcement against the misuse of Ecstasy (MDMA). This acts as a guide for the ONDCP to establish a force for federal, state and local enforcement officials. In the U.S, Ecstasy is considered as the illegal drug which has no medical use or benefit like LSD, cannabis and heroin. In 2001, harsh penalties were introduced by U.S government for those who supplied the drug. A person who is caught manufacturing and distributing 50gms or more of ecstasy will be sentenced of ten years of prison time and has to pay a penalty of $4 million. In situations where death occurs due to distribution of the drug the penalties increase to 20 years of life and ...