Rep. Mulligan to Sponsor Legislation to Combat "Ecstasy"

February 16, 2001

Des Plaines…State Representative Rosemary Mulligan (R-Des Plaines) is sponsoring legislation to significantly raise the penalties for the possession or sale of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). MDMA is the active ingredient in the club drug known as "Ecstasy".

"These 'club drugs' are doing tremendous damage to teenagers across Illinois," said Mulligan. "We need to send a message to the drug dealers that if you continue dealing this dangerous drug, you can expect the maximum penalty."

The new legislation, House Bill 126, would bring MDMA-related drugs known as "club drugs" under the same tough Class X felony penalties for similar drugs.

According to DuPage County States Attorney Joe Birkett, Illinois reflects the national trend of an enormous increase in the use of MDMA drugs.

"Ecstasy has been flooding into the Chicago area, mainly from Europe, at an alarming rate over the last couple years," said Birkett. "One of the reasons for the rapid increase in the use and sale of this drug in the State of Illinois is the disparity in the criminal penalties for Ecstasy and similar hallucinogenic drugs like LSD. Pushers know that the current State penalties for selling Ecstasy amount to a slap on the wrist. These new, tough penalties will send a clear message that Illinois will not tolerate our youth being harmed by drug pushers."

The following table outlines the current inconsistencies for Class X felony possession with the intent to deliver several drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. Each drug is followed by the quantity that triggers Class X felony status. Class X felonies are non-probationable and mandate 6 to 30 years of incarceration.

In addition to bringing MDMA under Class X felony status, HB 126 also amends the infliction of bodily harm and drug-induced homicide statutes to allow charging street drug pushers who are responsible for deaths and serious injuries through the sale of dangerous and illegal narcotics.

"Despite some beliefs, these drugs can be lethal and it is appropriate to treat them as dangerous as any narcotic. The people who sell them to our children need to be held accountable for their actions," added Mulligan.

MDMA stimulates the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin from brain neurons, producing a "high" that lasts approximately 3 to 6 hours. Studies have shown that using MDMA can damage neurotransmitters affecting mood and memory. MDMA can also quickly push a user's heart rate and body temperature to dangerous levels. MDMA users may encounter problems similar to those experienced by amphetamine and cocaine users, including addiction.

MDMA's psychological effects can include sleep problems, anxiety, confusion, depression, and paranoia during, and sometimes weeks after, taking the drug. Recent research indicates heavy MDMA use causes persistent memory problems in humans.

Representative Mulligan urges anyone with questions or concerns about this issue to contact her office at (847) 297-6533.