MDMA or scientifically known as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine is a synthetic drug known to alter mood and perception. It is chemically similar to two groups of drugs hallucinogens and stimulants and is known to produce feelings of euphoria and distorted perception. Other names it may also be known as are "ecstasy" and "pingers".
How long does MDMA stay in your system?
MDMA can be detected in an individual's system for varying periods of time depending on multiple factors such as metabolism and how frequently an individual uses the substance. This also varies on what form of testing is used to detect MDMA. A person’s urine will usually test positive for MDMA within a few hours of taking the drug. Urine samples will continue to test positive two to four days after the last use. The period for MDMA in saliva is one to two days. Traces of the drug can be found in hair for up to three months.
How long does MDMA stay in the blood?
As when you are stopped on suspicion of Drug Driving the most common sample you will be asked to give will be blood, therefore this is usually the most important one and nearly all the cases we deal with are blood due to common police procedure.
The effects and impairment of MDMA may last several hours but MDMA usually reaches peak levels in the bloodstream within a few hours of taking the substance. Even though MDMA is broken down by the body quickly compared to other substances it can take several days for all traces of MDMA to leave an individual's system. This again like all drugs is also dependent on individual factors such as : 
Metabolism
Weight
Age
Potency of MDMA
Dose ingested
MDMA in general has an elimination half-life of 9 hours meaning after 9 hours half of the MDMA will be eliminated from the individual's system.
What is the legal limit for MDMA?
Currently, the legal limit for MDMA in the UK is 10 micrograms per liter of blood comparing this to the limit for alcohol the limit for MDMA is 8,000 times smaller than that of alcohol. Even minuscule trace amounts of the substance with no effect on cognition or motor skills could put you over the limit. If an average dose of 100mgs of MDMA was ingested by an individual it would take an approximate time of 29 hours for them to be under the limit of 10 micrograms. This is why it is vital if one has taken MDMA to stay clear of driving for well over this period as a precaution. If charged with Driving whilst under the influence of MDMA one could face a driving ban, an unlimited fine, and up to half a year in prison.
How to defend a Drug Driving charge(MDMA)?
To maximize your options of acquitting yourself of drug driving it is vital to contact a drug driving specialist experienced in dealing with similar cases. At Parnell and Peel, we have decades of experience under our belt when it comes to dealing with Drug Driving cases and an endless list of clients we have helped to gain the best possible outcome. You may be tempted to seek a normal solicitor but it is vital to put your case in the hands of a specialist. You wouldn't let a nurse carry out cardiac surgery, would you?
If you have any further questions regarding your case and your options or are looking for further advice call us at 01484 599888.