What Is Molly?

Yes, we asked what, not who, is molly.  "Molly" is making news after two died from taking a drug called "molly."  But, what is it?

It is a pure form of MDMA, better known as ecstasy.  Ecstasy is typically a pill, where as molly is a powder.  Both are generally used as a rave drug for party-goers looking to get a high.

Molly and ecstasy are both known for being dangerous drugs, both a man-made chemical designed to be a stimulant and make neurotransmitters more active.

The two drugs are both MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) but come in different forms.  Although ecstasy is a pill, it is considered a designer drug because other drugs are often included in the pill.  Sometimes caffeine, methamphetamine, or even cocaine is added to create slightly different experiences.

Molly is a powder and is considered the pure form of MDMA.  It has no other drugs mixed in with it in it's pure powder form, however it can be contaminated with more dangerous chemicals as it passes through the supply chain.

Tragedy from molly

Molly made headlines this past weekend after the Electric Zoo Festival in New York City was cancelled after two attendees died from taking the drug.

The two deaths are not connected to each other, but both involve MDMA.

Olivia Rotondo, a 20-year-old University of New Hampshire student from Rhode Island, died from overdosing after taking six hits of ecstasy, according to the New York Times.

The other death was to 23-year-old Jeffrey Russ, who had recently graduated from Syracuse University.  He had taken molly, according to the New York Daily News.

The NYPD and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg cancelled the rest of the Electric Zoo Festival after the deaths and reports of other possible drug-induced injuries.

Molly in pop culture

Ecstasy has been common at raves with generally White young adults.

ABC News reports that molly has been referenced several times in pop culture.  They report that Madonna asked the crowd if anyone in the crowd had heard of molly.  Also, popular songs from artists like Kanye West and Miley Cyrus have also referenced the drug.