Ecstasy To Become A Prescription Drug-
Author: Jonty Skrufff
Friday, February 15, 2008
"We're looking to make MDMA into a prescription medication in the United States, United Kingdom and elsewhere," said ecstasy expert and leading researcher Rick Doblin from Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) (Alternet)
Mr Doblin stressed that E would be offered in carefully controlled conditions with patients staying in clinics overnight, though added that he still believes it will be 'many, many years' before authorities reconsider the drug, irrespective of which party wins the upcoming US elections.
"The change in administration won't make a difference. We're doing this now with the Bush administration,' he pointed out.
The story appeared as the (London) Times published a report on drug use amongst high-flying students in the UK headlined 'Taking drugs regularly is normal'.
'The drill for a night can routinely be 'cocktailing'; Ecstasy while getting ready to go out, more Es and MDMA powder while out, then chilling with ketamine, the horse tranquilliser, before bed,' said Times journalist Carol Midgley.
'If you think this sounds histrionic, think again. Though it is impossible to quantify exactly how many students are now 'using', anecdotal evidence suggests that drugs are more easily available within the university population than ever,' she said.
The Times reporter went on to describe some students routinely taking ecstasy and ketamine to watch TV and pointed out that 'drug-taking makes economic sense'.
''Ecstasy tablets now cost an average £2 each. Taking a few and drinking water means that you can have a night out for the price of a vodka and Red Bull,' she said.
In more excessive living news, the Medical Research Council reported that intelligent people are at significantly higher risk of becoming alcoholics than less intelligent types, with clever women particularly vulnerable.
'An explanation might be that success in the workplace requires, in some circumstances, a willingness to drink frequently and to excess in social situations,' study author David Batty told the Sunday Times. Tags