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The club drug ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA]) can cause permanent neuronal damage; it is commonly used with other illicit substances, especially marijuana. Researchers explored the possibility of dangerous interactions between these substances in a double-blind, crossover study involving 16 medically and psychiatrically healthy subjects who regularly used both drugs. Each participant took placebo, MDMA, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and MDMA/THC combination in random order.
Each active drug alone increased heart rate by about 30 bpm; the two together increased heart rate by 60 bpm. MDMA increased blood pressure by 14/12 mm Hg and body temperature by 0.3°C; it also significantly elevated plasma epinephrine and norepinephri…