HERBAL ECSTASY

    What are the street names/slang terms for it?

    Cloud 9, Rave Energy, Ultimate Xphoria, X.

What is it?

Herbal ecstasy is a term used to describe a combination of herbs that are legal, inexpensive, and marketed as a "natural high." Herbal ecstasy can be purchased over the counter in drug stores, music stores, and shops around the country.

What does it look like?

Pills sold in colorful packaging. The packaging on these products, including brand names "Herbal Ecstacy," "Cloud 9" and "Ultimate Xphoria," promises "increased energy," "inner visions," "sexual sensations," and "cosmic consciousness."

How is it used?

It is swallowed, snorted, or smoked.

What are its short-term effects?

Ephedrine (the key ingredient in herbal ecstasy) stimulates the cardiovascular and central nervous system. It may cause harmful reactions in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions. People with vulnerabilities to ephedrine can suffer from heart attacks, strokes, and seizures when taking the drug.

What are its long-term effects?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports of adverse reactions, including liver failure, elevated blood pressure, strokes, and deaths. The FDA is currently deciding whether a safe level of ephedrine in food supplements exists, or whether sales of some ephedrine-based substances should be stopped altogether. Meanwhile many states have banned the sale of herbal ecstasy following the reports of deaths of users.

What is its federal classification?

Herbal ecstasy is a non-Scheduled drug.

Source: FDA