Sen. Schumer Discusses Proposed Ban on Substances Similar to Molly

Despite its popularization by celebrities as a more glamorous drug, a hybrid form of ecstasy known as "molly" has recently hit the news after it was believed to be responsible for the death of two individuals at New York's multi-day Electric Zoo music festival.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is thus proposing a ban of synthetic drugs and other substances similar to molly in the hopes of preventing the further popularization of the powerful substance.

Under the proposal that was introduced Sunday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) would have the power to "ban substances that were similar in composition and effect to the 26 synthetic drugs already banned."

The Drug Policy Alliance notes that a typical dose of molly, or around 100 to 125 mg of the drug, lasts four to six hours. Its effects resemble both stimulants and psychedelics, according to the organization.

"We need to give our DEA and FDA greater power to ban the counterfeit analogue drugs just like they banned the regular drugs. This will be applied to any tweaking of a banned drug that makes the drug either worse or the same in terms of its effects," Schumer said, via the Wall Street Journal.

Schumer called a heavier focus on laboratories that produce the drug, suggesting that the New York/New Jersey-based anti-drug task force High Intensity DrugTrafficking Area (HIDTA) be treated with a higher priority.

The proposed act titled "Protecting Our Youth from Dangerous Synthetic Drugs Act of 2013" aims to save the lives of the youth from the dangers of these drugs. As two individuals recently died due to the drug at a concert in Randall Island, more officials are hoping to ban this and similar substances that may becausing serious and potentially fatal health issues. 

Although few adverse effects have been reported with the drug, a dangerous complication accompanied with its use can be hyperthermia-a serious condition in which the body temperatures raises to dangerously high levels.