The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 categorises drugs under 3 classes;
A, B and C. 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
Penalties for possession and dealing
| Class |
Drug type |
Possession |
Dealing |
| Class A |
Ecstasy, LSD, heroin, cocaine, crack, magic mushrooms,
amphetamines (if prepared for injection). |
Up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine or both. |
Up to life in prison or an unlimited fine or both. |
| Class B |
Amphetamines, Cannabis, Methylphenidate (Ritalin),
Pholcodine. |
Up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine or both. |
Up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine or both. |
| Class C |
Tranquilisers, some painkillers, Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB),
Ketamine. |
Up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine or both. |
Up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine or both. |
Newly banned substances
Since December 2009 the government reclassified and in turn
banned several “legal highs” including the much publicised
Mephedrone or “Meow-Meow”.
- 'Legal highs' now banned under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
include:
- Mephedrone and related cathinones are now classified as Class
B
- Chemical solvent GBL (Gamma-Butyrolactone) and a similar
chemical - now controlled as Class C drugs when intended for human
consumption
- Synthetic cannabinoids – man-made chemicals sprayed on herbal
smoking products such as ‘Spice’ – now controlled as Class B drugs
alongside cannabis
- BZP (Benzylpiperazine) and related piperazines - now controlled
as Class C drugs
- 15 anabolic steroids are to be controlled as Class C