Drugs and the Law
The two main laws covering drugs in Great Britain are The Medicines Act and the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971).
- The Medicines Act controls the way medicines are made and supplied
- The Misuse of Drugs Act divides drugs into three classes according to how harmful they are known to be.
The most harmful drugs are class A drugs. They carry the heaviest penalties for use, supply and production. Then comes class B and class C. The table below gives examples of the drugs in each category and the maximum penalties which can be applied.
| Class of Drug | Examples of Drugs in this Category | Maximum Possible Penalties |
 |
Ecstasy, LSD, heroin, cocaine, crack, magic mushrooms, amphetamines (if prepared for injection). |
For possession: Up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine or both. For dealing: Up to life in prison or an unlimited fine or both. |
 |
Amphetamines, Cannabis, Methylphenidate (Ritalin), Pholcodine.NB: all class B drugs become class A if injected |
For possession: Up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine or both. For dealing: Up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine or both. |
|
Tranquilisers, some painkillers, Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Ketamine. |
For possession: Up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine or both. For dealing: Up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine or both. |
All of the drugs on the list above - whether Class A, B or C - are designated as controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and using them is illegal.
The Misuse of Drugs Act states that it is an offence to:
- possess a controlled substance unlawfully possess a controlled substance with intent to supply it supply or offer to supply a controlled drug (even if it is given away for free) * allow a house, flat or office to be used by people taking drugs
Remember
- You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol from an off licence or buy and drink it in a pub.
- You must be 18 or over to buy cigarettes or tobacco.
- It is illegal for a shopkeeper to sell solvents to anyone under 18 if they know they plan to abuse them.
Police Powers
Search
A Police Officer may search a person or a vehicle, if they have reasonable grounds to suspect controlled drugs are present. They may detain you/it to search and may seize anything found. Refusing a search may lead to your arrest. A warrant is needed to search premises.
Class A & B Drugs
Possession, production or supply of class A & B drugs are serious arrestable offences. Police may arrest on reasonable suspicion if anyone is committing, has committed or is about to commit an offence.
Related links (under 18):
- Alcohol and the law
- Young Persons Substance Misuse Service
- Drug overdose information
- Solvent abuse information
- Talk to Frank (drugs advice)
- Why Let Drink Decide (alcohol advice)
- Kooth.com (online counselling service)
- Respect Yourself (relationships and sexual health)
- Health advice from Connexions
- Teen Life Check (NHS)
- Look Out - Alcohol (7 - 11 years old)
- Al-Anon Family Groups
- COAP (Children of Addicted Parents and People)