Recommendation 14

The ACMD seeks to provide scientific, evidence-based recommendations to support the development of evidence-based drug policy. We note that the Home Office appears more likely to adopt advice to increase the classification of a controlled drug than it is to adopt advice to reduce the classification of a controlled drug. For example, we note that in the cases of cannabis, MDMA, khat and nitrous oxide, the ACMD recommended a lower classification, or no classification based on a review of the evidence. We acknowledge that scientific evidence should remain a key driver but not the main driver in the development drug policy in all cases, including when the scientific evidence supports reducing the level of control placed upon a drug.