YOUNG PEOPLE - DRUGS AND THE LAW

The Misuse of Drugs Act puts drugs into 3 classes. Each class has different legal penalties. The Medicines Act controls other substances.
Don’t be fooled, just because a drug is classified as a Class C it doesn’t mean its safe. Different people react to different drugs in different ways, so all drug use carries some risk.

Misuse of Drugs Act
Class A Drugs
Ecstasy, LSD, heroin, cocaine, crack, magic mushrooms, amphetamines (if prepared for injection).
Maximum sentences:
Possession: Up to life and/or a fine
Supply: Life sentence and/or a fine

Class B Drugs
Amphetamines, Cannabis, Methylphenidate (Ritalin), Pholcodine
Maximum Sentences:
Possession: 5 years and/or a fine
Supply: 14 years and/or a fine

Class C Drugs
Tranquilisers, some painkillers, Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Ketamine
Maximum sentences:
Possession: 2 years and/or a fine
Supply: 14 years and /or a fine

Medicines Act
Drugs
Minor tranquillisers

These drugs can only be supplied by a pharmacist with a prescription from your doctor. Any other supply is illegal.

Other things you should know
You do not have to be found selling drugs to be charged with supply. Giving drugs away, or sharing them with friends is ‘social supply’ and is also an offence.
Even if you look after someone else’s drugs and hand them back, or if the Police find you with an amount of drugs that they think is too big to be for personal use, you can still be charged with intent to supply.

Possession with intent to supply carries the same legal penalties as actual supply.

It is also an offence to knowingly allow drugs to be produced, used, sold or even given away on the premises you are responsible for.
Driving while under the influence of drugs is also an offence and can be very dangerous for the driver, passengers and other people.

Please also see Temporary Banning Powers Factsheet

Further details can be found on the website of the Advisory Council on Misuse of Drugs at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/drug-law/ and if you require legal advice you can go to www.release.org.uk