Ecstasy's status could be downgraded to class B drug

London, Sept 18 : Ecstasy could be downgraded from a class A drug when British government's drug advisers begin a review of its classification.

The decision by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), chaired by Professor Michael Rawlins, to review the legal status of ecstasy follows a report by the Commons science and technology committee two years ago recommending urgent action, reports Telegraph.

Recommendations from drugs bodies and the police suggest that Ecstasy is involved in far fewer deaths than other class A drugs, such as heroin, and is several thousands times less harmful.

ACMD is likely to recommend the drug be downgraded to class B.

The body will hold a special evidence session next Friday during which it will hear the latest data on the drugs' effects on the brain and its toxicity. Its decision will be announced next year.

ANI