From the BBC
Drug laws in Britain are expected to be criticised as being “not fit for purpose”, according to a major report.
An investigation by the RSA says illicit substances can be “harmless”, while drinking and smoking can cause as many problems. It says the law has been “driven by moral panic”, and suggests policy-making should be left to drug teams and local authorities.
Anthony King, professor of government at Essex University, who chaired the Commission on Illegal Drugs, said the “great majority” of drug users did not harm themselves or others. “Current policy is broke and needs to be fixed,” he added. The RSA’s panel recommends scrapping the Misuse of Drugs Act and replacing it with a broader Misuse of Substances Act, and replacing the existing ABC classification system with an “index of harms”.
This would extend the definition of drugs to include alcohol and tobacco – as well as illegal substances, which the report says have been “demonised”.
Thanks Alyssa Joye!