The Laws
The UK has three main laws that regulate drug use:
- Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) This law aims to prevent the non-medical use of certain drugs, known as 'controlled' drugs. It makes it illegal to possess, supply, or produce these drugs. Police can stop and search you if they suspect you have a controlled drug.
- Medicines Act (1968) This law focuses on medicinal drugs and doesn't cover illegal possession.
- Psychoactive Substances Act (2016) This law controls substances that affect your mental state but aren't already covered by the other two laws.
Drug Classes & Penalties
Controlled drugs are divided into three classes, which determine the severity of penalties :
Class A
Includes drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, and heroin.
Penalties Up to 7 years in prison for possession; life sentence for supply.
Class B
Includes amphetamines, cannabis, and ketamine.
Penalties Up to 5 years in prison for possession; 14 years for supply.
Class C
Includes anabolic steroids and some tranquillisers.
Penalties Up to 2 years in prison for possession; 14 years for supply.
Exceptions and Special Cases
- Some drugs can be prescribed by a doctor.
- Alcohol and tobacco have their own sets of rules.
- Some substances, like poppers and solvents, aren't controlled by these laws but have their own restrictions.
Temporary Class Drug Orders
New substances causing concern can be temporarily controlled for up to 12 months while more research is done.
Alcohol and Tobacco
It's illegal to give alcohol to a child under 5.
It's illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under 18.
Other Regulations
Some drugs can only be possessed if they've been prescribed by a doctor such as, Morphine and Adderall.
Others can be bought over the counter but can't be supplied to another person such as, Codeine-based Cough Syrup and Pseudoephedrine.
Other Relevant Laws
- Customs and Excise Management Act 1979: Controls the import and export of drugs
- Road Traffic Act 1972: Illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Drug Trafficking Act 1994: Illegal to sell items used for drug preparation or administration.
- Crime and Disorder Act 1998: Introduces drug treatment and testing orders for drug-related crimes.