This consolidated annual report from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) provides an overview of our work from January 2023 to December 2025. During this period the ACMD continued to be exceptionally busy and was pleased to continue to provide evidence-based, independent scientific advice through 17 reports, and several addendums and amendments to previously published reports, in different areas related to drug misuse and harms in the UK. These included:
• Synthetic cathinones
• Semi-synthetic cannabinoids
• Alkyl Nitrites
• Nitrous Oxide
• Synthetic opioids
• Etomidate
• Xylazine, medetomidine, and detomidine
• Carisoprodol

During this period, the ACMD was also pleased to see updates made to the ACMD’s Standard Operating Procedure to incorporate clear guidance on how the ACMD comes to decisions on the classification of drugs. This contributed to the ACMD’s continued commitment to ensuring that advice is consistent, evidence-based and transparent in its approach. The ACMD continued to take efforts to ensure a diverse array of topics are examined to ensure work addresses Government priorities and UK-wide drug-related issues. As part of this commitment, the ACMD held Full Council meetings in Wales (2023), Scotland (2024) and Northern Ireland (2025)....