Molly Gram: What a Gram of MDMA Costs, Purity, and Risks

What a Gram of Molly Costs in 2026

A gram of MDMA, commonly called molly, costs between $20 and $80 across the United States. Price depends on geographic location, purity, and supply chain proximity. Urban areas with established nightlife scenes typically see lower prices ($20 to $40). Rural areas and regions with limited supply charge $60 to $80 per gram.

A standard recreational dose of MDMA ranges from 75 to 125 milligrams. One gram contains roughly 8 to 13 doses at this range. Buying by the gram offers a lower per-dose cost than purchasing individual pills or capsules.

Price and Purity Breakdown

• Crystal/powder MDMA: $20 to $60 per gram. Higher purity than pressed pills on average.
• Pressed pills (ecstasy): $10 to $30 per pill. Typically contain 80 to 150 mg MDMA, if they contain MDMA at all.
• Capsules: $15 to $25 per capsule. Pre-measured but impossible to verify contents without testing.

Purity Problems With Street MDMA

The DEA’s 2024 drug seizure data shows that only 60% of substances sold as molly contained MDMA. The rest contained other drugs, including:

1. Cathinones (bath salts): Alpha-PVP, methylone, and mephedrone are commonly substituted for MDMA. Effects are more stimulating and unpredictable.
2. Methamphetamine: Found in about 10% of tested “molly” samples. Produces a longer, more agitated high.
3. Fentanyl: The most dangerous adulterant. Present in 3% of tested MDMA samples in 2024. Even trace amounts of fentanyl create overdose risk.
4. Caffeine and other fillers: Added to increase weight and perceived value.

DanceSafe, a harm reduction organization, tested 1,200 ecstasy samples in 2024. Over 40% contained substances other than or in addition to MDMA. Testing before use is the single most effective harm reduction step.

How to Test Molly

Reagent test kits cost $15 to $30 and provide basic identification. The three most common kits:

• Marquis reagent: Turns dark purple/black for MDMA. Orange for amphetamines.
• Mecke reagent: Turns dark blue/green for MDMA.
• Simon’s reagent: Differentiates MDMA from MDA. Turns blue for MDMA.

Fentanyl test strips should be used in addition to reagent kits. Dissolve a small amount in water, dip the strip, and wait 2 to 5 minutes.

Health Risks of MDMA

MDMA floods the brain with serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. This produces the euphoria, energy, and emotional openness associated with the drug. But these effects carry significant health risks:

• Hyperthermia: MDMA disrupts the body’s temperature regulation. Body temperature rises, especially in hot environments like clubs or festivals. Core temperatures above 104°F (40°C) produce organ damage.
• Hyponatremia: Drinking too much water while on MDMA dilutes blood sodium to dangerous levels. This has caused multiple deaths.
• Serotonin syndrome: Taking MDMA with antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs) or taking multiple doses raises serotonin to toxic levels. Symptoms include muscle rigidity, rapid heart rate, and seizures.
• Comedown: Serotonin depletion after MDMA use produces depression, anxiety, irritability, and sleep disruption for 2 to 7 days.

Dosing and Frequency

Harm reduction organizations recommend:

1. Start with 75 to 100 mg, not exceeding 1.5 mg per kilogram of body weight.
2. Wait at least 6 weeks between uses (3 months is the widely recommended minimum).
3. Avoid redosing. If you do redose, take half the initial dose.
4. Stay hydrated but do not exceed 500 mL of water per hour.
5. Take breaks from dancing and hot environments to cool down.

MDMA Addiction and Dependence

MDMA does not produce the same physical dependence pattern as opioids or alcohol. But psychological dependence develops in some regular users. Signs include using MDMA more frequently than intended, needing higher doses for the same effect, and continuing to use despite relationship or health consequences.

No FDA-approved medications treat MDMA dependence. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) shows the strongest evidence for treating stimulant use disorders.

When to Seek Help

If your MDMA use has moved from occasional to regular, or if you rely on it to socialize or manage emotions, professional support makes a difference. SAMHSA’s helpline (1-800-662-4357) connects you to treatment options at no cost.