Classification of illegal and harmful drugs
BMJ August 3, 2006 Michael Gossop 8 citations
The House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology found the UK's system for classifying illegal drugs into classes A, B, and C is not fit for purpose, with glaring anomalies and confusion over the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs' remit. The committee criticized the government for failing to meet commitments to evidence-based policy, noting inconsistent decisions on drugs like cannabis, magic mushrooms, ecstasy, and methamphetamine. It found no evidence that classification deters drug use and recommended uncoupling harm-based classification from penalties. The committee also urged increased investment in addiction research, calling current funding woefully inadequate, and concluded that UN drug treaties do not bar major reform.