Australians should be able to buy a pure form of the drug ecstasy from their local pharmacy to curtail the harm caused by contaminated blackmarket pills, a Melbourne pharmacist and a leading doctor say.

Thousands of people are estimated to use the illegal drug, MDMA, also known as ecstasy, every week because of its tendency to cause feelings of happiness, empathy, intimacy, and reduced anxiety.

Pharmacist Joshua Donelly wants ecstasy legalised. Credit:Pat Scala

But Melbourne pharmacist Joshua Donelly and leading doctor Professor David Penington said many Australians taking the drug were probably swallowing contaminated versions that put them at greater risk of harm because it was manufactured illegally with no quality control.

To reduce this harm, the pair said the Australian government should legalise the drug, and regulate its production and sale through pharmacies, so users can access a safer, pure dose of the drug with advance discussion about the risks. This would allow pharmacists to advise people at high risk of harm, such as those being treated for a psychiatric illness or heart problems, to avoid the drug.