MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine) is unique from just about every other compound on this list. Its effects are universally-loved; it’s even being pursued as a medical treatment for conditions such as PTSD and depression and as a tool for couples therapy.
MAPS (the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) has been leading the charge for legalizing MDMA. The group has been organizing Phase I, II, and III clinical trials for decades and recently submitted a protocol to the FDA to bring MDMA back into clinical therapy.
The effects of MDMA are strongly empathogenic — more so than any other compound on this list. It’s considered a psychedelic because it interacts with the 5HT2A receptors (same target for LSD, psilocybin, and DMT) — albeit to a lesser extent.
MDMA primarily targets the dopamine (D1 and D2) receptors and 5HT2B (serotonin) receptors