Gov could scrap science-led drug policy

The Government would scrap the requirement for scientific advice on drugs policy in a proposed ammendment to UK law.

The development would mean The Government were no longer required to appoint at least sic scientists to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, which is instrumental in deciding on classifications of drugs.

The police reform and social responsibility bill, published last week, would also allow the home secretary to place temporary controls on drugs for up to a year.

The proposals follow a period in which successive UK governments have been criticised for ignoring scientific evidence, leading to the sacking of former ACMD chairman David Nutt last year.

Given the largely reactionary, and many would say excessive response to the rise of mephedrone over the last year, many experts will be worried that such a move will lead to innaccurate policy decisions, that could prove dangerous in the long-run.

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