The decision was subjected to withering criticism by Nutt and others in the U.K. research community. Previously, Nutt, head of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), had criticized the Brown government for its decision to reclassify marijuana as a Class B drug, contrary to the advice of its own scientific board.

Nutt has called for all drugs, regardless of legal status, to be ranked according to a 'harm index' that would rank alcohol only behind cocaine, heroin, barbiturates, and methadone. He has harshly criticized Brown and Home Secretary Jacqui Smith for their decisions on regulating drugs like marijuana and ecstasy.

Professor Nutt contends that, by ranking alcohol and smoking alongside the abuse of illegal drugs, the public will be better informed of the risks they are taking. 

Read the Daily Mail article here

Source: Join together.org