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See other news storiesACMD review of ecstasy
11 February 2009
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) has recommended further research into the harms of MDMA - also know as ecstasy - and the reclassification of the drug as Class B.
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 and teachers about the risks of MDMA
- improving the data collected regarding the extent of MDMA use among under 16s
- 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.'
