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The Misuse Of Drugs Act (MDA)

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The misuse of drugs has become one of the major challenges to face the UK Government as it not only affects user’s personal-health but it also has a large negative impact on communities (Nutt et al., 2007). In 1971 due to the rising problems encountered in regards to drug misuse the Government passed the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA). The act created three main classes labelled A, B, and C. Controlled substances that fall under class A (i.e. cocaine, heroin, MDMA) are deemed to be the most harmful to the users and others and carry strict penalties for possession (Up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both) and intent to supply (Up to life in prison, an unlimited fine or both) (MDA, 1971). Controlled substances in class B (i.e. cannabis, …show more content…

The Government can upgrade, downgrade or delist previously controlled substances along with adding new drugs. Over the last decade the latest change in the classification of drugs, cannabis in particular has generated much debate between the Government and the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) (UKDPC, 2008). The debate was initially sparked when the UK Government rejected the Council’s advice to keep cannabis in class C despite the fact that the Advisory Council had scientific backing from numerous research studies (UKDPC, 2008). The Government’s decision has therefore led to individuals questioning the drug policy in the UK. The UKDPC (2008) stated that the Government’s overruling of the Advisory Council’s proposal has challenged the role that expert advisory bodies play in the formulation of drug policy, along with raising questions on the significance of these advisory bodies in general (UKDPC, …show more content…

There are many harms associated with all types of drugs and the effects of some drugs can even result in the user’s death. Opioids can cause respiratory depression along with fatal poisonings (Nutt et al., 2007) and in the case of cocaine, misuse may cause cardiac dysrhythmias which can result in sudden death (Boghdadi & Henning, 1997; Hollister, 1992). Cocaine can also cause a variety of other harms that affect different parts of the body. According to Aslibekyan et al., (2008) and Qureshi et al., (2001) cocaine users have a higher overall incidence of MI compared to non-users. The risk of MI increases by a factor of 24 in the first hour after administration of cocaine. However, it has been reported that the occurrence of myocardial infarction after cocaine has been administered has no relation to the amount ingested by the user (Lange & Hillis,

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