Table of Contents
What is MDA?
MDA, MethyleneDioxyAmphetamine (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine), is a synthetic and psychoactive drug, belonging to the amphetamine and phenethylamine classes of drugs. It is chemically similar to both MDMA (ecstasy) and mescaline. It is less commonly known than MDMA and has been used in psychotherapy and as an entheogen.
MDA street names:
- Sass
- Sassafras
- Tenamfetamine
- Love Drug
- Sally
What Are the Experiences with MDA?
MDA is classified as an entactogen and psychedelic drug, which means it can produce feelings of empathy, love, and social connectivity, as well as alterations in sensory perception, mood, and consciousness. As any other psychedelic substance, the effects of MDA can vary depending on the dose, the individual’s body chemistry, and other factors like setting and mindset.
What Are the Acute Effects of MDA?
| Positive Effects | Enhanced mood and euphoria Increased empathy and feelings of closeness with others Enhanced sensory perception (e.g., brighter colors, enhanced sounds) Mild to moderate hallucinogenic effects Increased energy and alertness Enhanced introspection and self-reflection |
Negative Effects | Bruxism (grinding of the teeth) Dehydration and hyperthermia, especially in club or party settings Insomnia and disturbances in sleep patterns Increased heart rate and blood pressure Anxiety, paranoia, and confusion Nausea and decreased appetite |
What are the Benefits & Risks?
| Benefits | Enhanced Empathy and Sociability: Users often report feelings of increased empathy, emotional warmth, and a sense of closeness or connection with others. This can facilitate social interactions and deepen feelings of intimacy. Euphoria and Increased Well-being: Like other entactogens, MDA can produce a strong sense of euphoria, happiness, and increased well-being, which can be profound for some users. Enhanced Sensory Perception: Users may experience enhanced perception of colors, sounds, and touch, which can make music, visual stimuli, and physical contact particularly enjoyable. Increased Energy and Alertness: MDA can provide a boost in energy and alertness, making it popular in dance and party settings. Introspection: Some users report that MDA facilitates deep introspection and access to emotions, which can be useful for personal growth or therapeutic purposes. |
| Risks | Neurotoxicity: Like other drugs in its class, there is concern about the potential for neurotoxic effects with regular or high-dose use. Addiction and Dependency: While not as addictive as some other substances, there’s potential for psychological dependency. Comedown: After the effects wear off, users may experience a “comedown,” characterized by feelings of depression, lethargy, and fatigue. Serotonin Syndrome: In combination with other substances that increase serotonin, there’s a risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. |
What is the difference between MDA and MDMA?
MDMA is produced from MDA via a process of chemical alteration. Ingesting MDMA leads to its conversion back into MDA within the body, primarily through a liver process known as demethylation. As an active metabolite of MDMA, MDA plays a role in the compound effects experienced from MDMA usage.
MDA is known to elicit more intense visual and auditory hallucinations than MDMA, which is more commonly linked to heightened feelings of empathy and euphoria.
The Rise of MDMA
The legal restrictions on MDA and its psychoactive properties spurred interest in related compounds that might offer similar therapeutic benefits with fewer side effects and legal obstacles. This led to the rediscovery and increased popularity of MDMA (Ecstasy), a chemically similar substance with a somewhat different effect profile, in the 1970s and 1980s. MDMA became especially popular in the rave and electronic dance music scenes from the 1980s onwards, overshadowing MDA in recreational use.
Therapeutic Use
Although proposed as an aid to psychiatric counselling, therapeutic use of MDA is extremely limited.
Personal Growth
Some individuals claim that their experiences with the psychedelic have led to personal growth and self-discovery. It can help people confront their emotions and relationships, potentially leading to positive changes in their lives.
Legality
MDA is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States and in many other countries, meaning it is illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute without a license due to concerns about its safety, potential for abuse, and lack of accepted medical use. Consumption of MDA carries health risks, and individuals react differently to psychoactive substances, making it unpredictable.
History & Stats
MDA was first synthesized in 1910 by German chemists C. Mannich and W. Jacobsohn. However, its psychoactive properties weren’t immediately recognized or explored at the time.
It wasn’t until the 1950s and 1960s that MDA started to attract interest for its psychoactive effects, particularly from the psychotherapeutic community. Researchers explored its potential as an adjunct to psychotherapy, noting its ability to lower inhibitions and enhance emotional and communicative openness.
By the late 1960s and into the 1970s, MDA had found its way into the counterculture movement, being used recreationally for its euphoric, empathogenic, and hallucinogenic effects. It was known by several street names, including “Sass” and “Sassafras,” and gained a reputation as a “love drug” for its ability to promote feelings of love and empathy.
The increasing recreational use of MDA led to its prohibition in the United States. In 1970, MDA was classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. This classification made research on MDA more difficult and curtailed its medical exploration.
The 21st century has seen a renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, including MDMA for conditions like PTSD. While MDA itself has not been the focus of the recent resurgence in psychedelic research due to its stronger hallucinogenic properties and the legal barriers to studying Schedule I substances, the historical and chemical relationship between MDA and MDMA continues to be of interest to both scientists and historians of drug culture.
Important Note: Approach any substance with caution and understand its effects and risks. If you’ve had an experience with MDA and need support to integrate it, or if you’re planning to try it and want the best possible setting, book a session with one of our certified psychedelic coaches. Our experts provide personalised guidance to help you navigate and maximize the benefits of your experience while ensuring safety and well-being.
Sources
- National Library of Medicine, Ecstacy: a review of MDMA and MDA: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2881902/
- Exemplars in Global Health, What is MDA? https://www.exemplars.health/topics/mass-drug-administration/what-is-mda
Our Psychedelic Coaches Integrating MDA Experiences
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Psychedelics Integration does not encourage or condone any illegal activities, including but not limited to the use of illegal substances. This guide aims to inform and reduce harm, not to replace medical, psychological, or psychiatric diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Keep in mind that psychedelics work differently with everyone, due to many factors such as physical health, mental health, illnesses, set & setting and a mix of substances.