Last Updated: July 25, 2019

By: Rachel Clark, DanceSafe Intern

A round green-blue pill with splotches of tan/brown and “A1” stamped into one side was sold as MDMA in the Bay Area, CA, but actually contains caffeine, MDA, and methylsulfonylmethane. The sample was sourced in Los Angeles, CA, and submitted from the Bay Area, CA. 

The sample reacted purple with the Marquis reagent, purple to blue to black with the Mecke reagent, and purple to brown with the Mandelin reagent. 

MDA is traditionally considered to be more psychedelic and stimulating than MDMA, with a slightly lower empathogenic profile and marginally longer duration of action. Because of this, set and setting can heavily influence an experience on MDA; additionally, consuming both caffeine and MDA at the same time can cause unwanted excessive stimulation that may last for up to 8 hours after ingestion. Individuals with high blood pressure or cardiac health concerns may experience adverse effects from this increased stimulation, especially when a tablet is consumed under the assumption that it only contains MDMA. 

This combination may also lead to uncomfortably intense jaw clenching and grinding, as well as heightened body temperature, which can both increase the potential for serotonergic neurotoxicity and cause dehydration/severe overheating. When consuming caffeine and MDA, adequate water consumption in a sufficiently cool environment is essential to avoid medical complications. 

We urge our community to keep in mind that drug markets are expansive and that this adulterated MDMA pill may appear in places other than its source and submission location. Using a reagent test kit can help provide a first line of defense as a presumptive (and not affirmative) process. Additionally, samples may be sent in to www.ecstasydata.org for in-depth laboratory testing. Test before you ingest to avoid taking misrepresented substances, and so you can adjust your intention, set, and setting appropriately to minimize risks. You can purchase your DanceSafe test kit here.

The purpose of #TestIt Alerts is to alert the public to misrepresented substances circulating in their region. We neither condemn nor condone drug use, but rather want people to be aware of what they are ingesting so they can take steps to minimize risks.

Since 1998, DanceSafe has been keeping the electronic music and nightlife communities safe. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide free harm reduction services at music festivals and nightlife events across the nation. All proceeds from the sales of our drug checking kits go back into the organization so we can continue to provide our services to our communities for free. By purchasing a kit, you are not only helping keep you and your friends safe, you are also contributing to the harm reduction movement. Thank you for your support!