Should Ecstasy Be Downgraded? UK

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Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Also Included In: Regulatory Affairs / Drug Approvals;  Public Health
Article Date: 27 Sep 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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Before the turn of the century ecstasy was a big headline puller and journalists wrote about it a great deal. Recently, however, cocaine and heroin have taken front stage. Just because ecstasy is not hitting the headlines as much as it used to may not necessarily mean it is not a dangerous drug and should consequently be downgraded. The declining popularity of the rave scene has lead to a drop in ecstasy interest. Hence, ecstasy's classification is being reviewed.

According to the Department of Health, 567,000 people under the age of 60 in the UK used ecstasy in 2006. 48% of them were aged 16 to 24. Experts say these figures indicate only a very 'slight' decline since the 1990s. Prices have dropped as well, from £25 in the early 1990s to approximately £5 today.

Official figures show that 246 people died as a result of consuming ecstasy during 2003 to 2007, compared to 28 from the beginning of 1998 to the end of 1999.

Experts say that from a clinical point of view ecstasy should never have been a Class A drug, like heroin - it should have been a class B if penalties are supposed to be in proportion to consumption risks and dangers.

The government is currently carrying out a review of ecstasy's category. Prof. David Nutt, who is soon to head the ACMD (Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs), has said ecstasy is not as damaging to health as heroin or cocaine, both Class A drugs. The ACMD will publish its report at the end of 2009.

The police, on the other hand, are mostly against changing ecstasy from Class A to Class B.

So, what would happen if the ACMD recommends a reclassification?

The ACMD only recommends, it does not decide. This decision is made by the Home Secretary - at the moment that is Jacqui Smith. Gordon Brown and his government have said clearly they will not classify, regardless of the evidence. A government spokesperson recently said that there is no such thing as a safe ecstasy dose.. the drug can and does ill unpredictably.

Surprising comments

Unusual comments have been made about ecstasy by people one would expect to say the opposite. Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom, North Wales Police, earlier this year said that aspirin is more dangerous than ecstasy. Two years ago a group of Members of Parliament (MPs) said LSD and ecstasy are safer than tobacco and/or alcohol.

Drug Classification UK (Home Office)

Class A
Ecstasy, LSD, heroin, cocaine, crack, magic mushrooms, amphetamines (if prepared for injection).
Penalty for possession
Up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine or both.
Penalty for dealing
Up to life in prison or an unlimited fine or both.

Class B
Amphetamines, Methylphenidate (Ritalin), Pholcodine.
Penalty for possession
Up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine or both.
Penalty for dealing
Up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine or both.

Class C
Cannabis, tranquilisers, some painkillers, Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Ketamine.
Penalty for possession
Up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine or both.
Penalty for dealing
Up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine or both.

Class A, B and C drugs are termed as controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, with Class A being those considered most harmful.

The Misuse Of Drugs Act states that it is an offence to:

1. Possess a controlled substance unlawfully
2. Possess a controlled substance with intent to supply it
3. Supply or offer to supply a controlled drug (even where no charge is made for the drug)
4. Allow premises you occupy or manage to be used for the purpose of drug taking

Sources
The Home Office, Department of Health, BBC, Wikipedia

Written by
Christian Nordqvist


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