Hi,
it seems that nucleophilic substitutions can be catalyzed by the used of chloride ion. It comes from it's excellent nucleophilic and nucleofuge properties (cf. comparative tables in books).
For exemple, with iodide catalyze, halide (bromo and chloro) alkyl can react with ammonia in a methanol solution to give the amine (after deprotonation of the ammonium).
So, it seems that this method could be applied in the formation of MDA from chloro or bromo safrole, with large excess of ammonia (to prevent the formation of secondary, tertiary,... amine), and without the use of a "pipe bomb".
What's your opinion concerning that ?