Where can I test my MDMA?

Dear Reader, 

This is one test you don’t need to study for! Testing (or, as some people say, “checking”) your drug supply is a great way to reduce any harm that might come from drug use. Testing can even help your community by circulating information about what drugs are being used and whether or not they’re contaminated. Drugs like molly can easily be cut or laced with different substances which is why it can be especially important to test. Fortunately, there’s a wide variety of tests you can use ranging from strips that can be ordered online to lab tests conducted at places like health centers and universities.  

What is Molly? 

‘Molly’ is the most common street name for the powdered form of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). However, the substance can also be found as tablets (‘ecstasy’) or referred to as ‘E’, ‘X’, ‘Adam’, ‘Peace’... the list goes on. No matter what you call it, Molly is especially popular at nightclubs and raves due to its desired feel-good effects like increased empathy, happiness, and sensuality, to name a few.  

That said, Molly can also have negative effects, like raising your blood pressure or making you feel nauseous when you take it. When it’s mixed with other drugs, risks can even include overdose or death. Drugs sold as Molly could contain a variety of other substances including caffeine, ketamine, amphetamines, or even fentanyl. It’s actually relatively rare that Molly contains only pure MDMA.  

Are there physical locations you can go to test Molly (and other drugs)? 

There are a few different places where you might be able to test your drug supply. Testing facilities are usually connected to resources like universities, health departments, or other community organizations. Many of these centers encourage people to come in person to offer other services and harm reduction information. Some locations might perform a test for you, while others might provide you with fentanyl test strips to take home.   

What are the different types of tests available? 

There are a few ways you can test drugs for other substances, ranging from at-home tests to mail-in services. The most common (and usually the most easily accessible) method is to use test strips. These strips exist for a few different drugs, including fentanyl and xylazine, two of the most common and dangerous substances that can contaminate drugs like Molly. Test strips can be ordered online or purchased for relatively low prices (or even offered for free) at some support centers. There are, however, some downsides to these strips. Test strips aren’t a one strip tests all and instead only indicate the presence of a given drug the specific test is checking for. Therefore, they can’t tell you how much of a contaminant there is or whether there are any other substances present.  

For people interested in more in-depth information about their drug composition, there are advanced tests that can be conducted. These types of resources can be found at places like medical centers or harm reduction sites, and some even operate by mail. This involves having the drugs analyzed by a lab using a method called spectrometry (a method that breaks down drug composition by molecule). These tests can give you a much more comprehensive idea about how much of what is in your sample.  

Why should you test your Molly? 

It’s like they say: better safe than sorry! If you find out what’s in your Molly before you use it, you can use the information to minimize the risk of any unwanted effects. If you test your supply and find anything you’re not expecting you might choose to avoid using that batch of drugs to avoid any unintended consequences. If you decide to still use the substance, you might do so by starting with a smaller dose, being more diligent about staying hydrated and monitoring your symptoms. Additionally, using it with a group of trusted friends can be helpful so you can keep tabs on each other and offer support if something goes wrong.  

Testing your drugs can also help the people around you. If you share your findings, whether by visiting a drug checking center or posting in an online forum, it can help other people in your community get a better idea of what’s being circulated. This can benefit other people who might not have checked their supply themselves. This information can also help support groups or health care providers be more prepared to assist in cases of crisis or overdose.  

Happy testing!