Are they? Here is a list of 20 drugs, ordered by an average harm rating – consisting of Physical harm, Dependence and Social Harm.

  1. Heroin
  2. Cocaine
  3. Barbiturates
  4. Street Methadone
  5. Alcohol
  6. Ketamine
  7. Benzodiazepines
  8. Amphetamine
  9. Tobacco
  10. Buprenorphine
  11. Cannabis
  12. Solvents
  13. 4-MTA
  14. LSD
  15. Methylphenidate
  16. Anabolic Steroids
  17. GHB
  18. Ecstasy
  19. Alkyl Nitrites
  20. Khat

If you look at this list and compare it to the illegal drugs list for the UK, you do have to wonder what is going on.

Class A

  • Ecstasy
  • 4-MTA
  • LSD
  • Cocaine
  • Heroin
  • Street Methadone

Class B

  • Amphetamine
  • Methylphenidate eg “Ritalin”
  • Barbiturates

Class C

  • Buprenorphine
  • Benzodiazepines
  • GHB
  • Anabolic Steroids
  • Cannabis

Not controlled

  • Alcohol
  • Alkyl Nitrites
  • Ketamine
  • Khat
  • Solvents
  • Tobacco

There seems to be little correlation.
On of the major problems facing the government on the release of this list is that re-classifying the legality of a drug with a dependence on its harm rating would either mean making alcohol and tobacco illegal (which is never gonna happen) or making all the currently illegal drugs rated ‘less harmful’ than alcohol legal (which is also never gonna happen). So they are left stuck with antiquated substance law and looking a bit silly, I’m sure they will be pleased when this information fades from the public eye.

It’s interesting to note that alcohol falls way down the list if you reduce its social harm rating. I can’t help but come to the conclusion that this is because it is the only ‘escapist’ drug that is legally available and if another ‘escapist drug was made legal (cannabis is the obvious choice) then perhaps the problems caused by over-active drinkers would fall dramatically.
Let’s face it, if you want to forget whatever problems you may have, or just escape for the hell of it, you have to consume quite a bit of alcohol. An unfortunate side effect is of course the accidents, the fights, the illness and injury and everything that is plaguing town centres up and down the country on a friday and saturday night.

Legalise cannabis!!! You know it makes sense.