white → brown2 → purple3 → black3 → black3 → black3 → black3
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MDA
3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine
Sally, Sass, Sass-a-frass, Tenamfetamine
MDA is a synthetic entactogencitation needed of the amphetamine class that produces stimulant and mild psychedelic effects alongside its empathogenic properties.1 First synthesized in 1910, its psychoactive effects were not recognized until 1930, and it emerged as a recreational substance in the late 1960s, predating the popularization of its close relative MDMA. Compared to MDMA, MDA is generally considered more stimulating with a stronger psychedelic edge.1 It is sometimes found in pills sold as MDMA,citation needed and vice versa.
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
Threshold~20 mg
Light20-40 mg
Moderate40-80 mg
Strong80-120 mg
Heavy120+ mg
Duration
Onset30-90 minutes
Come Up15-45 minutes
Peak2.5-4 hours
Offset2-3 hours
After Effects4-48 hours
Total5-8 hours
Half-life
~10.9 hours
Subjective Effects
Legacy content. A statistically backed ontology from Mindstate Design Labs is coming soon.
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
Cognitive
Visual
Auditory
See also: Psychedelic Intensity Scale, Effects of psychedelics (visual, cognitive, miscellaneous)
Reagent Testing
Expected colorimetric results for common reagent tests. Colors show reaction change over 1–2 minutes.
white → green3 → blue3 → black3 → black3 → black3 → black3
yellow2 → blue3 → black3 → black3 → black3 → black3
orange1 → pink2 → brown1
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
MDA acts primarily as a serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine releasing agent (SNDRA), functioning as a substrate of the serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and vesicular monoamine transporters.citation needed It is also an agonist of the serotonin 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C receptors, with direct 5-HT2A agonism underlying its psychedelic properties. MDA shows affinity for the α2A-, α2B-, and α2C-adrenergic receptors and the 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 serotonin receptors.2 At TAAR1, MDA is a potent agonist in rodent models but only a very weak partial agonist or antagonist at the human receptor.citation needed The enantiomers differ pharmacologically: (S)-MDA shows greater potency at the monoamine transporters, while (R)-MDA fully substitutes for serotonergic psychedelics in drug discrimination assays.
Pharmacokinetics
MDA has an elimination half-life of approximately 10.9 hours.3
Dangerous
Highest riskThese combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
5-HTPAlcoholAmphetamineCocaineDXMDissociativesMAOIsMDMAMXENBOMe compoundsSNRIsSSRIsSerotonin releasersStimulantsTramadol
Tolerance
Tolerance timelines are rules of thumb, not exact schedules, and vary widely between individuals and use patterns.
Full Tolerance
Tolerance to the psychedelic effects develops almost immediately after ingestion. Tolerance to the stimulant and entactogenic effects builds more gradually with repeated and heavy use, varying between individuals.
Baseline Reset
Approximately 7 days
Half Tolerance
Approximately 3 days
Cross Tolerance
Serotonergic psychedelics, Stimulants
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
ModerateMDA can be considered moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse and is capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. Compulsive redosing may occur due to its euphoria-inducing effects, with a strong desire to repeat the experience commonly reported when coming down.
Physical
LowMDA is generally not considered physically addictive, though cravings and withdrawal effects may occur if chronic users suddenly stop usage.
Toxicity
Central Nervous System
MDA is known to be more neurotoxic than MDMAcitation needed, with estimates suggesting it may be approximately five times as neurotoxic; this is a primary safety concern with frequent use, high doses, or elevated body temperature during use.
Hepatic
MDA is reported to be hepatotoxic, though liver toxicity from use is considered rare.
Cardiovascular
Acute toxicity and overdose can cause dangerous cardiovascular strain including dramatically increased blood pressure and heart rate; death in overdose cases is usually caused by cardiac effects and subsequent hemorrhaging in the brain.
Psychosis Risk
Psychological crisis requiring hospitalization, including psychotic episodes and severe panic attacks, is possible but rare. Regular use may lead to schizophrenia-like symptoms. Derealization can occur temporarily after a strong experience and may persist in cases of misuse.
Seizure Risk
Seizures are a rare effect but can occur in people predisposed to them, especially when taking heavier-than-recommended doses or while in physically taxing conditions such as dehydration, fatigue, or undernourishment. Convulsions are listed among symptoms of acute toxicity and overdose.
History & Culture
Discovery and Early Research
MDA was first synthesized by German chemists Carl Mannich and W. Jacobsohn in 1910,4 though its psychoactive properties remained unknown for two decades. The compound's mind-altering effects were discovered through self-experimentation by American chemist Gordon…
Trip Reports
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Legality
International
UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971 (Schedule I)
By Country
Illegal27
AustraliaIllegalTherapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard—June 2026) Instrument 20267
Classified as a controlled substance under national drug legislation. Unlicensed possession, production, and distribution are prohibited.
AustriaIllegalSuchtgiftverordnung; Suchtmittelgesetz8
Prohibited under the Suchtmittelgesetz (SMG), the Austrian Narcotics Act. Possession, production, and sale without authorization are criminal offenses.
ChileIllegalDecreto Supremo N° 405 de 1983, Reglamento de Productos Psicotrópicos14
MDA (3,4-metilenodioxianfetamina) is listed in List I of Chile’s Regulation of Psychotropic Products. The regulation prohibits importation, exportation, production, manufacture, distribution, transport, sale, possession, and holding of List I drugs in Chile, except that the Instituto de Salud Pública may authorise use for scientific research.
Czech RepublicIllegal3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) is a psychotropic substance in List 4 of Government Regulation No. 463/2013 Coll. The Act on Addictive Substances subjects handling of listed addictive substances to authorization, and unauthorized production, possession, and trafficking are offences under the Criminal Code.
IndiaIllegalMDA is listed as 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine in the Schedule to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. The Act prohibits production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, warehousing, use, consumption, import into India, export from India and transshipment of a psychotropic substance except for medical or scientific purposes and as authorized by the Act and rules.
IsraelIllegalMDA (tenamfetamine) is named in item 13c of Part A, Division B of the First Schedule to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance [New Version], 5733–1973. The Ordinance prohibits possessing or using a dangerous drug without statutory authorization or a licence, and likewise prohibits its manufacture, import, export, trade, and supply without authorization.
ItalyIllegalTabelle delle sostanze stupefacenti e psicotrope, Tabella I30
Listed in Tabella I of the controlled substances tables (Tabelle delle sostanze stupefacenti e psicotrope). Possession, purchase, and sale are illegal.
JapanIllegalCabinet Order Partially Amending the Order Designating Narcotics31
Japan designated alpha-methyl-3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenethylamine, MDA, as a narcotic under the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act, effective 17 December 1989. The Ministry of Health notification states that manufacture, import, export, possession, and administration are not permitted except for tightly limited research handling.
MexicoIllegalLey General de Salud32
MDA (3,4-metilenodioxianfetamina) is listed in Group I of Article 245 of the General Health Law. The law prohibits manufacture, preparation, acquisition, possession, sale, transport, supply, use, and other acts involving Group I substances; acquisition may be authorised only for scientific research. The law separately sets the personal-use reference amount for MDA at 40 mg or one tablet or capsule weighing no more than 200 mg.
New ZealandIllegalMisuse of Drugs Act 197535
Classified as a Class A controlled drug under New Zealand's Misuse of Drugs Act. This represents the most restrictive category with the most severe penalties.
NorwayIllegalMDA is included in the narcotics list to the Regulation on Narcotics as a Schedule I psychotropic substance. Norway prohibits possession and use of narcotics without lawful authority; manufacture requires express authorization, and imports and exports require a certificate.
PhilippinesIllegalComprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165)38
MDA is listed as Tenamfetamine in Schedule I of the 1971 Convention schedule reproduced in the annex to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The Act defines the substances in that annex as dangerous drugs and criminalizes unauthorized importation, possession, manufacture, sale, delivery, distribution, and use.
RussiaIllegalGovernment Decree No. 681 of 30 June 199839
Listed as a Schedule I prohibited substance under Russian Federation drug control legislation. No medical use is recognized.
South AfricaIllegalDrugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 199240
Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) is listed in Part III of Schedule 2 to the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act as an undesirable dependence-producing substance. The Act prohibits possession, use, and dealing in such substances except where authorised under the Medicines Act or a permit; dealing includes manufacture, supply, sale, importation, and exportation. The Schedule also extends to its isomers, esters, ethers, salts, preparations, mixtures, and homologues unless expressly excluded.
South KoreaIllegalMDA is listed in Attached Table 3 as a psychotropic drug under Article 2(3)(a) of the Narcotics Control Act. The table applies to the named substances, their salts and isomers or salts of isomers, and the Act prohibits handling narcotics except as permitted under the Act.
SwedenIllegal3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) is listed in List I of the Swedish Medical Products Agency's narcotics schedules. List I comprises substances that normally have no medical use; unauthorized handling is punishable under the Narcotic Drugs (Punishments) Act.
SwitzerlandIllegalBetäubungsmittelverzeichnisverordnung des EDI (BetmVV-EDI)46
Specifically named as a controlled substance under Verzeichnis D of the Swiss narcotics scheduling system.
TurkeyIllegalMDA (tenamfetamine) is listed in Cetvel I of the 1971 Psikotrop Maddeler Sözleşmesi, approved for Turkey by Cabinet Decision No. 8/2143 and published on 7 March 1981. Manufacture, trade, distribution, and possession are permitted only for scientific and very limited medical purposes; unauthorized manufacture, import, export, and sale are offences under Article 188 of the Turkish Criminal Code.
United Arab EmiratesIllegalTenamfetamine (MDA) is classified by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention as a Psychotropic Schedule I substance and is marked prohibited. Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 prohibits the importation, exportation, transfer, production, manufacture, bringing in, possession, acquisition, and related acts for substances in its prohibited schedules, while allowing medical and scientific monitoring under prescribed controls.
Controlled / restricted2
ChinaRestrictedTenamfetamine, MDA, is listed as a first-class psychotropic drug in China’s Catalogue of Psychotropic Drugs. The Regulations on the Administration of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Drugs apply state controls to the research, production, distribution, use, storage, and transport of substances in the catalogue. Purchase of tenamfetamine as a psychotropic reference standard requires regulatory authorization.
ColombiaRestrictedTenanfetamina (MDA) is included in Colombia’s Lista Verde, Lista I, the official list of psychotropic substances subject to fiscalización. The Ministry of Health’s Fondo Nacional de Estupefacientes controls the importation, exportation, distribution, and sale of substances subject to fiscalización, and authorised handling requires registration under the control system.
References
Source Pages
Citations
- Straumann I, Vizeli P, Avedisian I, Erne L, Noorshams D, & Liechti ME. (January 2026). Acute effects of MDMA, MDA, lysine-MDMA, and lysine-MDA in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in healthy participants. Neuropsychopharmacology, 51, 476–485. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-025-02248-312
- Thomas S. Ray. (2010). Psychedelics and the human receptorome. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.00090191
- Plasma pharmacokinetics of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine after controlled oral administration to young adults. 30(3), 320-332 (2008). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2663855/1
- C. Mannich, & W. Jacobsohn. (1910). Über Oxyphenyl‐alkylamine und Dioxyphenyl‐alkylamine. https://doi.org/10.1002/cber.191004301261
- Naranjo, Claudio. (1973). The Healing Journey: New Approaches to Consciousness. Pantheon Books. https://maps.org/product/the-healing-journey/1
- MDA-assisted psychotherapy with neurotic outpatients: a pilot study. (1976). https://doi.org/10.1097/00005053-197610000-000021
- Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard—June 2026) Instrument 2026. legislation.gov.au (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L00633/asmade/2026-05-28/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html1
- Suchtgiftverordnung; Suchtmittelgesetz. ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Anlage=5&Artikel=&FassungVom=2026-01-01&Gesetzesnummer=10011053&Paragraf=&Uebergangsrecht=1
- Portaria SVS/MS nº 344/1998, Anexo I. bvsms.saude.gov.br (n.d.). https://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/saudelegis/anvisa/2000/rdc0040_28_04_2000.html1
- Portaria SVS/MS nº 344/1998, Anexo I. gov.br (n.d.). https://www.gov.br/anvisa/pt-br/assuntos/medicamentos/controlados/lista-substancias1
Further Reading
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Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
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