MDMA is the active ingredient in ecstasy tablets, (often abbreviated to E, X, or XTC) and is a semisynthetic psychedelic empathogen-entactogen of the phenethylamine family.

It has greater stimulant effects and fewer visual effects than other common “trip” producing psychedelics. It is considered mainly a recreational drug, though is often used as an entheogen and as a tool to supplement various types of practices for transcendence, including in meditation, psychonautics, and illicit psychedelic psychotherapy, whether self-administered or not. MDMA is illegal in most countries, and its possession, manufacture or sale may result in criminal prosecution.

Use, supply and trafficking of ecstasy are currently illegal in most countries. In the United States, MDMA was legal and unregulated until May 31, 1985, at which time it was added to DEA Schedule I, for drugs deemed to have no medical uses and a high potential for abuse.