Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs

1. Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) is a statutory and non-executive non-departmental public body in the United Kingdom. It was established under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to advise the government on issues related to drug misuse and the classification of drugs.

History

The ACMD was formed following the enactment of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which aimed to control the distribution and use of dangerous or otherwise harmful drugs. The council's role is to provide expert advice to the government on drug-related issues, including the potential harms of drugs and the appropriate legal classification of substances.

Functions

The primary function of the ACMD is to keep under review the situation in the United Kingdom with respect to drugs that are being or appear to be misused and of which the misuse is having or appears to be capable of having harmful effects sufficient to constitute a social problem. The council advises the government on measures to be taken for preventing the misuse of such drugs or for dealing with social problems connected with their misuse.

The ACMD is responsible for:

• Assessing the harms of drugs and advising on their classification under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
• Providing recommendations on the control of new psychoactive substances.
• Advising on the implementation of drug policy and strategies to reduce drug-related harm.

Structure

The ACMD is composed of experts from various fields, including medicine, pharmacology, law enforcement, and social sciences. Members are appointed by the Home Secretary and serve for a term of three years, which can be renewed.

The council is supported by several working groups and committees that focus on specific areas of drug misuse, such as the impact of drugs on health, crime, and society.

Impact

The ACMD has played a significant role in shaping drug policy in the UK. Its recommendations have led to changes in the classification of drugs, the introduction of new legislation, and the development of harm reduction strategies.

One notable instance was the council's recommendation in 2009 to downgrade cannabis from a Class B to a Class C drug, which was initially accepted by the government but later reversed.

Criticism

The ACMD has faced criticism at times, particularly regarding its independence and the extent to which its advice is heeded by the government. Some critics argue that political considerations sometimes override scientific evidence in drug policy decisions.

Also see

• Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
• Drug policy of the United Kingdom
• Psychoactive Substances Act 2016
• Harm reduction