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ACMD review into the harms and classification of MDMA ('ecstasy')
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs
Continued credible public health messages, reclassification to a Class B drug and further research into the real harms of MDMA, are among recommendations to the government in a report published by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) today.
The Council conclude that the balance of harms of MDMA more closely equate to that of other substances in Class B and make 13 wide ranging recommendations including:
* the promotion of public health messages;
* continued impartial awareness campaigns such as FRANK;
* credible and consistent advice and support for parents/carers, teachers about the risks of MDMA;
* improving the data collected regarding the extent of MDMA use among under 16s; and,
* further research into MDMA in polydrug use and the effects of MDMA on the brain.
The report into MDMA reflects the far greater body of evidence concerning the drug's effects since it was first classified in 1977.
Chair of the ACMD, Professor David Nutt, said:
"The ACMD want to emphasise that MDMA is a significant public health issue. We continue to be concerned about the on-going widespread use of MDMA, particularly among young people. The use of MDMA is undoubtedly harmful. Indeed, all illegal drugs are harmful or have the potential to harm those who take them.
"However, after looking at all the evidence presented to us, and considering the harmfulness to individuals and society alongside other drugs within the same classification, the ACMD concluded that MDMA should be reclassified to a Class B drug."
The advice and recommendations made by the ACMD have been solely based on the available evidence reviewed. The ACMD considered evidence from a wide range of sources, including: scientific papers; academic experts; police and customs data; evidence from hospital emergency wards; data from drug and mental health charities and overseas organisations.
Notes to Editors
1. The ACMD report, 'MDMA ('ecstasy'): A review of its harms and classification under the misuse of drugs act 1971' can be found at http://www.drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs-laws/acmd/ from midday today (11th February).
2. The ACMD reviewed ecstasy as part of its remit to review and assess the individual and societal harms of drugs.
3. The ACMD is a Non-Departmental Public Body established in 1971 by the Misuse of Drugs Act. The ACMD provides independent expert advice to ministers on drug misuse - primarily to the Home Office, but also to other Government Departments.
4. The ACMD's membership consists of experts from a wide range of professions. The ACMD is chaired by Professor David Nutt. Other members include experts in: pharmacology, psychiatry, public health, GPs, senior police officers, substance misuse and mental health.
For more information about the membership and terms of reference:
http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs-laws/acmd/about-us
For further press enquires please contact Nick Logan on 020 7035 3535
