MDMA has given me some of the best times of my life. Exhilarating, exciting, uplifting and fun times. 

It’s been a joyous part of the way I’ve explored music, people and places all over the world. Whilst it hasn’t been everything, it’s the bonding with others that I have loved above anything else. I’ve shared dance floors, adventures and conversations with loved ones and strangers. I’ve investigated concepts, relationships and cities with people from all walks of life. 

I’ve felt the closeness of friends and the connection of strangers. The sense of sharing moments together, the togetherness you can feel with one person or a crowd of a thousand is special. 

I hold all those feelings and memories close to my heart, and I believe they’ve made me a better person. I’ve become more understanding, more compassionate and more open minded to the needs of others. 

I’m a 42-year-old mother of two, a daughter and sister, a wife and friend to many. I’m a colleague and a volunteer. I’ve had wonderful, successful jobs and continue to strive in my career in energy project management. I take responsibility for myself and care for those around me, and will hopefully always live this way. 

I always buy from friends or through friends and start small amounts of anything new before increasing. I would feel safer if I could test MDMA more easily or buy it in a controlled market. Generally speaking, I don’t think there’s amazing support available to people who use MDMA. There’s definitely more now than 20 years ago, like more online resources and support at festivals – but still more can be done.

Because of my experiences – and the experiences of so many others – I believe MDMA should be legally and safely produced and available for legal purchase and safe consumption in Australia. It’s been an absolute joy and though the frequency of my consumption is far less than it’s been at other times in my life, I very much look forward to the next time I take it, safely and joyously in the company of friends.

Lyndsey, 42, is a mother of two, works in energy project management and is based in Victoria. 

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