Legalising pure ecstasy should be considered given it is safer than alcohol, a Wellington Hospital emergency medical specialist says.

Clinical toxicologist Paul Quigley says there is evidence MDMA – the purest version of ecstasy – is one of the safest recreational drugs compared to alcohol, Fairfax Media reports.

Alcohol is behind around two-thirds weekend and late-night hospital admissions, Dr Quigley says.

He believes legalising and regulating the sale and manufacture of MDMA could damage the black market for more harmful drugs entering the market.

The idea has also been supported by the New Zealand Drug Foundation, while Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne says he's willing to discuss the proposal with Dr Quigley.

What do you think? Vote:

source: data archive