HOME OFFICE News
Release (ACMD 001/2009) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 11
February 2009
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