Ecstasy could be downgraded to a class B drug



Government advisers will investigate whether Ecstasy should be downgraded to a class B drug

Ecstasy could be downgraded to a class B drug after government advisers meet next week.



The Home Office's Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) will seek evidence from experts before deciding whether to recommend reclassifying the dance drug.



One of the council's most senior figures has already indicated his support for the move.



It would follow a 2006 report by the Commons science and technology committee which recommended urgent action for a downgrade review.

The committee's view is based on a Police Foundation inquiry in 2000 which found toxicity levels were several thousand times less dangerous than heroin and involved less than 10 deaths a year.

The inquiry heard evidence from experts, including former Medical Research Council chief Colin Blakemore, who said Ecstasy was 'at the bottom of the scale of harm'.

Other experts including incoming ACMD chairman Professor David Nutt agreed that alcohol and tobacco were more dangerous.



Ecstasy is the third most popular illicit drug in the UK.

According to The Guardian, government advisers will hold a special evidence session next Friday to hear the latest findings on the drug's neuropsychological effects and its toxicity.



The ACMD is not expected to produce a final report until next year.

However, any move to downgrade the drug is expected to be blocked by government ministers.

Drugs minister Vernon Coaker said he believed the drug should remain a class A but would consider the ACMD recommendation.