The United States has strict drug laws—laws that are often much more
stringent than those in Europe and around the world. Whether or not these
laws actually help the drug situation is a topic of fierce debate. Many
Americans are arguing to reduce or relax the regulations on the grounds
that they actually hurt the country economically and do nothing to reduce
drug use. Lawmakers do not seem particularly receptive to the arguments
at the moment, though. In fact, a recent string of drug-related deaths
among young people in Florida and Illinois is further strengthening their
resolve to keep these laws tight, and perhaps tighten them up more.
Ecstasy is one of the most popular drugs among young people right now.
This substance, known as the "club drug," is commonly used at
rave clubs for its mind-altering affects. Because of its rising popularity,
there is also a rising demand for producers. In order to turn a major
profit, drug traffickers are now making counterfeit pills that look identical
to Ecstasy pills but are cheaper and faster to make. This fake Ecstasy
is called PMA (paramethoxyamphetamine) and PMMA (paramethoxymethamphetamine).
Ecstasy is made of MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine).
In recent months, at least six young people have died in Florida and three
from Chicago from this
fake Ecstasy pill. There have been other similar reports from across the country, as well,
and these deaths are likely to continue. Though Ecstasy is believed by
many to be harmless, this other drug is very dangerous. Reports say that
PMA is killing people by raising their body temperature as high as 108
degrees. A 19 year old woman from Lake County, Florida had a body temperature
of 104 degrees a full five hours after she died. Normally, once a person
takes this drug, they overheat, become confused, hallucinate and then collapse.
Researchers and health officials have also released reports that Ecstasy
is not as safe as most people believe. Users experience various psychoactive
effects from the drug but these researchers are now saying that the drug
can have far-reaching and long-lasting effects—both physical and
psychological in nature. They have been shown to cause depression and
long-term brain damage that could affect memory and the thought process.
Officials are therefore sending out a warning to all Ecstasy users, cautioning
them both about the dangers of Ecstasy and the possibility of being dealt
the fake drug PMA.
If you have been charged with a drug crime of any kind, it is imperative
that you enlist legal aid as soon as possible. As Palm Beach's premier
drug defense firm, work with Parks & Braxton, PA. Our attorneys are
former prosecutors, meaning we know how the prosecution will approach
the case. With more than 48 years of combined experience, we know how
best to go about eliminating and reducing drug charges.
Click here to find out more.