Drugs a 'passing youthful phase'

By Alan Travis in London

May 23 2002

Ecstasy, the dance drug used by thousands of young people every weekend, should be downgraded from the class A status it shares with heroin and cocaine, a year-long inquiry into Britain's drug laws has concluded.

The long-awaited parliamentary report also marks the first official recognition that for most young people drug abuse is "a passing phase" that "rarely results in long-term harm" and that criminal punishment should be reserved for the dealers.

The MPs want to see the creation of a new offence of "supply for gain" so that the penalties imposed by the courts can distinguish between the large-scale commercial dealer and "social dealing" among friends.

The landmark report also marks the first time that politicians in Britain have recognised that the case for legalisation is being put forward by "sensible and thoughtful people".

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