What are the street names/slang terms?

Brand names for herbal ecstasy products include: Cloud 9, Rave Energy, Ultimate Xphoria

What is Herbal Ecstasy?

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 Ecstasy,” “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 banned the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra (ephedrine alkaloids) due to concerns over their cardiovascular effects, including increased blood pressure and irregular heart rhythm.  The final rule became effective on April 12, 2004.  The rule does not pertain to drugs that contain chemically synthesized ephedrine, or to traditional Chinese herbal remedies and herbal teas.

What is its federal classification?

Schedule I

Source: Food and Drug Administration (FDA)