Herbal ecstasy no substitute for the real thing

By Eben Gering

Arizona Daily Wildcat

It has attracted curiosity at concerts, head shops, and nutrition centers, yet despite all the attraction of legality, FDA approval, and a trippy looking pyramidal packaging, herbal ecstasy fails to offer an experience worth writing home about.

Herbal ecstasy was designed as a legal alternative to the drug "ecstasy" popular among rave-goers, deadheads, and yuppies. That drug, methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA, or street ecstasy), is a derivative of mescaline and speed. Taken to induce euphoric, self-loving states in users and as a sexual stimulant, MDMA was designated a Schedule I drug by the DEA in 1985. This means, although many would disagree, that MDMA has high abuse potential, no accepted medical applications, and insufficient safety for use under medical supervision.

Herbal ecstasy attempts to produce effects similar to those of MDMA without undesirable short term side-effects such as nausea and physical fatigue. An alternative to MDMA is highly marketable because of research suggesting MDMA might cause brain damage and unsubstantiated rumors that it causes spinal damage, both of which have led to a decline in MDMA usage.

Advertising for herbal ecstasy contains many of those new-age phrases, like "synergistically blended," which seem to mean absolutely nothing. The ingredients include mysterious herbs like "Tibetan Ma Huang" and "Wild Ginko Biloba." Manufacturers invite customers to call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and to return unused tablets for a full refund if unsatisfied Ÿ yet the brochures contain no phone number or address. Sound mysterious? Global World Media, the manufacturer of herbal ecstasy, asserts that it has been "thoroughly tested."

Another deterrent to herbal ecstasy use is probably the price. Ten tablets (a full dosage) cost between twenty and twenty-five dollars. Autumn Cymny, an employee of Puff N Stuff smoke shop, said that she hadn't tried the drug because it was "too expensive" and that she was afraid to invest such a large sum because she was "afraid it wouldn't work."

This seems to be a valid concern, according to Victor Colidres, one of Cymny's co-workers who tried the drug. "I didn't really feel much," he said. Colidres cited the fact that he ingested the tablets on a full stomach (contrary to the instructions accompanying herbal ecstasy) as the reason, and did say he knew someone who had "gotten a buzz" from the product.

"The reaction is different from person to person," said Cymny. "Some people say it's like speed, and others say they don't feel anything."

Sure it's legal, but that doesn't necessarily mean harmless Ÿ many of the drugs now designated as narcotics were once legal too. But if you're the type who gets kicks from trying things like smoking banana peels or licking toads, maybe herbal ecstasy is the thing for you. And if it doesn't work, don't worry about wasting money ... you can keep that neat box, maybe even try smoking it.

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