“…[1][2][3][4][5] MDMA was rst synthesised by Merck in 1912 as a potential appetite suppressant, and over the next seventy years, a number of researchers explored the psychedelic properties of MDMA with little success. 6 During the 1970s and 80s MDMA surfaced on the recreational drugs market, its widespread abuse and potential long-term health effects led many countries to prohibit its possession, supply and manufacture. Currently in the UK, MDMA (or "ecstasy") is controlled as a Class A, Schedule 1 substance due to its illicit use as a recreational drug and its implication in a number of highly publicized fatalities.…”