Scientists back sacked drugs policy advisor

Prof David Nutt

Scientists have been quick to back Professor David Nutt who was sacked this week as chairman of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. He had said that cannabis and ecstacy were less dangerous than alcohol and tobacco.

The Government has been accused of a "worrying retreat" on a commitment to scientists after its top drugs advisor was forced to resign.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said he had "lost confidence" in Prof Nutt's ability to give impartial advice after Dr Nutt (who, like the other members of the Advisory Council, works free of charge) made comments last week that ecstasy and LSD were less harmful than alcohol and cigarettes. He also criticised the decision to upgrade cannabis to class B.

Read the rest of this item from The Daily Mirror here