Pubdate: Sat, 19 May 2001 Source: The Southeast Missourian (MO) Copyright: 2001 2001 Southeast Missourian Contact: http://www.semissourian.com/opinion/speakout/submit/ Website: http://www.semissourian.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1322 Note: Letters of up to 250 words on topics of current interest are welcomed - All letters will be edited - Names and hometowns of letter writers will be published. Author: Paul Sloca Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy) NEW LAW WOULD CRACK DOWN ON CLUB DRUG IN MISSOURI JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- People possessing the drug ecstasy would be treated like those carrying cocaine or heroin under legislation sent to the governor. The bill approved Friday by the Senate would make the crime of possessing more than 450 grams of ecstasy a felony punishable by 20 years to life in prison. The penalty is similar to those currently on the books for drugs such as heroin or cocaine. "This is an issue that is so important to Missouri," said Sen. Harry Wiggins, D-Kansas City, who handled the bill. Also included in the bill is a provision that makes the drug GHB -- also known as the "date rape" drug -- a controlled substance. While selling and possessing the drug is currently illegal in Missouri, prosecutors can only file charges of possession with intent to distribute, a lesser crime. The drug ecstasy became popular about five years ago among young partygoers on the east and west coasts, and has since spread across the country. The drug produces a short-lived feeling of euphoria and relaxation, a lowering of inhibitions and an energy burst. It can be ingested orally or taken in a suppository form for a longer high. The National Institute on Drug abuse has found that the drug causes permanent changes in brain chemistry and can cause severe dehydration and depression after it wears off. The drug can raise a person's body temperature to 108 degrees. Sponsoring Rep. Cathy Jolly, D-Kansas City, said support for the legislation was crucial because of the recent deaths of five young men in St. Louis. The men found in a car had died of carbon monoxide poisoning. All had ecstasy in their bodies. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe