This Paper will present a comprehensive review of the evolution of MDMA including the historical, legal and medical issues. Part I will present the history of ecstasy prior to its criminalization in 1986. Part II will analyze the legal issues and proceedings that resulted in MDMA's Schedule I placement. Part III will discuss recent clinical studies on ecstasy. Part IV will present several anecdotal reports from patients who have successfully used MDMA therapeutically. Part V will discuss the future prospects for MDMA research and will conclude that the societal and political concerns that have so hindered research into the therapeutic benefits of MDMA are beginning to crumble and that although the government has acted "irrationally" in the past with regards to MDMA's potential as a therapeutic adjunct there is hope for the future
