Drug Index

MDA

MDA comes in tablets (often with various scorings and logos), capsules and powders in a variety of colours. In its purest form, MDA is a white powder, but with impurities it can vary from yellow or beige to a light brown or reddish colour. Users prefer tablets because they are seen as more pure (which is not necessarily true). Often misrepresented as Ecstasy on the street.

Medical Uses

Produced in labs specifically for illicit market. no currently accepted medical use.

Short Term Effects

Users may have individual differences in their sensitivity to MDA. Effects of MDA tend to be similar to those of LSD, without its hallucinations and perceptual distortions. There is an intensification of feelings and heightened, but not distorted, sensory awareness. Users feel more empathy and emotional closeness. Moderate doses cause confusion, fatigue, anxiety or panic, and decreased concentration. Physical effects of MDA include increased blood pressure and heart rate, raised body temperature, and a dry nose, throat and mouth. A large dose of MDA can cause hallucinations, delirium, seizures and comas.

Long Term Effects

Regular use may result in hangovers, weight loss, exhaustion, flashbacks, paranoia, depression, psychosis and liver damage. Studies in animals have found evidence of brain damage with repeated or heavy use

Tolerance and Dependance

With repeated use, tolerance to MDA may develop. Chronic users may become psychologically dependent. MDA is not known to cause physical dependence.

Legal Status

In Canada, these hallucinogens are governed by the provisions of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act applicable to Schedule III. Possession is a criminal offence punishable on indictment by imprisonment for up to three years and on summary conviction to a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. A subsequent offence is punishable on summary conviction by a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment for up to one year or both. Trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession for the purpose of exporting, production, import and export offences are punishable on summary conviction by imprisonment for up to eighteen months or on indictment by imprisonment for up to ten years.

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