As stated in Brian Birnbaum’s letter, MDMA is methlyenedioxymethamphetamine. He says, ‘Without the ‘MD’ part, MDMA is no different from the potent stimulant methamphetamine.’ MDMA does indeed contain the ‘MD part’ and therefore is chemically related, but not identical to methamphetamine, as I stated in my previous letter.

MDMA is not generally classified in the amphetamine category with substances like crystal methamphetamine and other popularly abused drugs like Ritalin, which has an amphetamine-like effect, but a different chemical structure. MDMA does not have the same highly addictive characteristics that these substances do, which is an essential piece of information to consider while discussing the drug.

Sasha Almasian

Sophomore public health major