ECSTASY: POISON or PANACEA?

It is about the size of an aspirin and made of pressed pastel powder the soothing color of Easter eggs. It's commonly known as Ecstasy. One dose promises hours of unparalleled bliss -- if nothing goes wrong. Then, it can cause serious illness, even death. But as the debate rages on the safety of this drug, a broad section of people have already made up their own minds: It's worth the risk.

Popularity grows as many decide joy is worth the risk
News reports tend to simplify Ecstasy as "a drug that's popular at all-night dance parties called raves," the truth is that it's a drug that's popular, period. But is this one little pill -- loved by clubbers and loathed by cops -- a plague or a panacea? (Thursday, May 9, 2002)

Ecstasy supporters hope FDA-approved study will vindicate drug
This summer, Ecstasy will get a chance to return to its roots -- as a medicine for the emotionally and mentally ill. The Food and Drug Administration in November approved the first ever U.S. study of Ecstasy as a therapeutic aid. (Thursday, May 9, 2002)

Teen's death raises awareness that Ecstasy can be a killer
Marissa Ann Napier was 15 -- young, vital, athletic and healthy. She made friends easily. She also occasionally experimented with drugs. Last Aug. 12, at a party in West Seattle, she first tried Ecstasy. It killed her. (Friday, May 10, 2002)

A coalition rallies for electronica culture
Authorities have been waging an all-out war on the "rave" culture, say electronica fans and civil libertarians. And now, a group of Seattle-area techno enthusiasts say they're fed up and ready to fight back. (Friday, May 10, 2002)