In a unique experiment to investigate how cocaine is spread through the human body, a leading British university has invited students to take part in a drug trial by offering "reasonable" financial compensation.
King's College London has sent out an email to hundreds of undergraduates yesterday inviting them to "take part in a clinical study involving nasal administration of cocaine".
Those who are accepted will be given "reasonable financial compensation" for the time and expenses incurred.
The email explains the study will mean that "after cocaine administration, repeated biological samples (blood, urine, hair, sweat, oral fluid) will be taken to compare and investigate how cocaine and its metabolites are spread through the human body.
"It specifies that potential participants must be fit and well, have no past medical history and not be users of recreational drugs."
Cocaine is a Class A controlled drug in the UK and its abuse carries a seven-year jail term along with a hefty fine.
Those found guilty of supplying a Class A drug face a potential life sentence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
According to reports, the King's College study has been approved by London Westminster Research Ethics Committee and will be supervised by the clinical toxicology department at St Thomas' Hospital.
"You are under no obligation to reply to this email, however if you choose to, participation in this research is voluntary and you may withdraw at anytime," the emails specifies.
Participants will not be able to cut or dye their hair for 120 days during the study follow-up period as scientists investigate a wide range of physical effects on the body.
"This is an important scientific study to investigate how cocaine and its metabolites are spread through the human body. All the relevant ethical approvals were received for this study.
"The study will be conducted under the highest level of medical supervision in a dedicated clinical research suite," a Kings College London spokesperson said.
The university has a reputation for research into the use and effects of illegal drugs, including studies into the genetic causes of addiction and papers on whether certain substances should be legalised.
An estimated 700,000 people in Britain took cocaine last year, making it the second most popular recreational drug after cannabis.
