Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

"Molly" is an informal term for the illicit drug Ecstasy, also known as MDMA. While often marketed as a pure form of MDMA, especially in powdered or crystalline capsules, "Molly" is frequently mixed with other substances, sometimes even more so than traditional Ecstasy pills. Ecstasy is a euphoria-inducing stimulant and hallucinogen, a derivative of amphetamine, that increases the production and blocks the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, also boosting dopamine levels. This can lead to feelings of increased energy, happiness, and self-awareness, but also carries risks such as increased blood pressure, dehydration, confusion, depression, and paranoia. The drug was developed in 1913 and later explored for therapeutic uses before becoming popular in the 1970s and 80s, leading to its worldwide ban in 1985.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
  1. Ecstasy
  2. Molly
  3. molybdenum processing

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.