Have you ever heard young people asking “Have you seen Molly?” You should know that they aren’t talking about the girl next door.

“Molly” is a street name for MDMA, short for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. There are a lot of slang terms for MDMA. “Ecstasy” and “Molly” are the most common. Molly, however, is supposed to be free of adulterants, such as caffeine or methamphetamine. You might also hear “E,” “XTC,” “X,” “Adam,” “hug,” “beans,” “clarity,” “lover’s speed,” and “love drug.”

Molly aka Ecstasy is the “in” Club Drug

Ecstasy is a very popular club drug. A “club drug” is a name given to a variety of recreational drugs that are typically found and used by partygoers to enhance their experiences at night clubs, “raves” (all-night dance parties), concerts and house parties. Club drugs generally provide a stimulating and hallucinogenic effect which makes many users feel euphoric.

Ecstasy users typically reach their peak “high” about an hour after swallowing or snorting the drug. Effects of ecstasy generally last between three to six hours.

Because there is no accepted medical use for ecstasy, its possession, sale or transportation is always illegal.

What is MDMA?

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a controlled substance, a narcotic drug regulated under California and federal law. MDMA is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means it has:

• A high potential for abuse, and
• No currently accepted medical use in the United States.

Simple Possession of Ecstasy or Molly in California (Health and Safety Code § 11377)

If the police arrest you for possessing ecstasy or Molly for personal use, you will be charged with “possession” of a controlled substance pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 11377. This offense is a misdemeanor offense.

A misdemeanor conviction for possession for personal use of ecstasy in California is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.

In some cases, a person accused of a violation of possession of ecstasy (HS 11377) may be eligible to participate in a drug diversion program. If you successfully complete drug diversion, you are entitled to a dismissal of your possession charge.

Possession for Sale of Ecstasy or Molly in California (Health and Safety Code § 11378)

Possession with the intent to sell ecstasy is a felony. If you are convicted under California law, you can be sentenced to serve up to three years in jail and fined up to $10,000. Because this offense involves potential sales and not simply personal possession, you are not eligible for drug diversion.

Sales or Transportation of Molly or Ecstasy in California (Health and Safety Code § 11379)
Health and Safety Code Section 11379 makes sales or transportation of ecstasy a felony offense. If you are convicted of violating this California law, you face up to four years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both a fine and imprisonment. If you transport ecstasy across more than two counties, your sentence can increase to three, six or nine years in prison plus the same fine.

Drug Trafficking of Ecstasy under Federal Law (18 U.S.C. § 841)

If you possess large quantities of ecstasy and/or import or export the illegal drug across state lines or U.S. borders (also known as “drug trafficking”), you may attract the attention of federal authorities and be subject to prosecution by the United States government.

Drug trafficking of ecstasy is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. If anyone is seriously injured or dies as a result of using the drug you face 20 years to life in prison.

Finally, a conviction for any ecstasy-related offense under either California or federal law could lead to your deportation or removal from the United States if you are not a U.S. citizen.

Wallin & Klarich Attorneys are Available 24/7 if You are Arrested on Drug Charges

If you or someone you know has been arrested for possession, sales, transportation or trafficking of MDMA, contact our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich immediately. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney from Wallin & Klarich could mean the difference between you serving a lengthy jail or prison sentence and a reduction or dismissal of your charges. Getting you the best possible result in your case is our only goal.

With offices in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Tustin, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have over 30 years of experience defending thousands of clients facing prosecution on state and federal drug charges. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Call us today at (888) 280-6839 for a free telephone consultation. We will get through this together.