This article may use a lot of legal terms & definitions however we will try and simplify things as best as we can! If however, you’re still unsure, please get in touch with us and we will try our best to help you! This article is designed to give those who use substances, the opportunity to see what impacts carrying, selling and using substances can have on you from a legal/criminal aspect. If you are ever unsure, consult a Solicitor. Contact information can be found on our help & support page.
What Are The UK Drug Laws?
The laws controlling drug use are complicated but there are three main statutes regulating the availability of drugs in the UK: The Misuse of Drugs Act (1971), The Medicines Act (1968) and The Psychoactive Substances Act (2016)
What Is The Misuse of Drugs Act (1971)?
This act is intended to prevent the non-medical use of certain drugs. For this reason it controls not just medicinal drugs (which will also be in the Medicines Act) but also drugs with no current medical use. Drugs subject to this Act are known as “controlled” drugs. The law defines a series of offences including: unlawful supply, intent to supply, import or export as well as unlawful production. The main difference from the Medicines Act is that the Misuse of Drugs Act also prohibits unlawful possession. To enforce this law the police have the power to stop, detain and search people on “reasonable suspicion” that they are in possession of a controlled drug or dealing (selling) a controlled drug.
The Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) divides drugs into three classes as follows:
Class A:
These include: cocaine and crack cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, LSD, methadone, methamphetamine (crystal meth), fresh and prepared magic mushrooms.
Class B:
These include: amphetamine (not methamphetamine), barbiturates, codeine, ketamine, synthetic cannabinoids such as Spice and cannabis (medicinal cannabis is now legal in the UK and can be prescribed by specialist doctors from 1st November 2018). All cathinone derivatives, including mephedrone, methylone, methedrone and MDPV were brought under control as Class B substances in 2010.
Class C:
These include: anabolic steroids, minor tranquillisers or benzodiazepines, GBL and GHB, khat and BZP.
Class A drugs are treated by the law as the most dangerous. Offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) can include:
- Possession of a controlled drug.
- Possession with intent to supply another person.
- Production, cultivation or manufacture of controlled drugs.
- Supplying another person with a controlled drug.
- Offering to supply another person with a controlled drug.
- Import or export of controlled drugs.
- Allowing one or more premises you occupy or manage to be used for the consumption of certain controlled drugs (smoking of cannabis or opium but not use of other controlled drugs) or supply or production of any controlled drug.
- Certain controlled drugs such as amphetamines, barbiturates, methadone, minor tranquillisers and occasionally heroin can be obtained through a legitimate doctor’s prescription. In such cases their possession is not illegal.
Exceptions
The law is even more complicated by the fact that some drugs are covered by other legislation, are not covered at all or are treated in an exceptional way under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Temporary Class Drug Orders (TCDO)
On 15th November 2011, The Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) was amended to allow the Home Secretary to place a new psychoactive substance not already controlled as a Class A, B or C drug but causing concerns, under temporary control by invoking a temporary class drug order.
TCDO’s come into immediate effect and last for up to 12 months. This period allows the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) time to provide expert advice on the temporary class drug and its potential harms to the user directly as well as the harms it may have to others, society or the UK as a whole. During or at the end of the 12 month period, the TCDO is subject to Parliamentary review. The review considers the independent report given by the ACMD.
After 12 months the TCDO will expire unless it is brought under permanent control of the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) or the TCDO is extended, giving time for further research/investigation, further ACMD advisory or the implementation of new or amended legislation.
Offences committed under the 1971 Act in relation to a temporary class drug are subject to the following maximum penalties:
- 14 years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine on indictment
- 6 months’ imprisonment and a £5,000 fine on summary conviction.
Simple possession of a temporary class drug is not an offence under the 1971 Act. However, those who do break the law in terms of the Act may receive one or both of the above penalties.
Read more about TCDO’s here
Alcohol
Giving a child under 5 alcohol, unless in an emergency or under medical supervision (Children and Young Persons Act 1933) is an offence. It is also an offence for a vendor to knowingly sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 years old and/or to buy alcohol when under 18 years of age.
A 16 year old can consume beer or wine (but not spirits) in a pub if having a meal in an area set aside for this purpose with an over 18 year old present.
In some areas there are by laws restricting drinking of alcohol on the streets at any age. Police also have powers to confiscate alcohol from under 18’s who drink in public places.
Poppers
Poppers (liquid gold, amyl or butyl nitrite) are not covered by the MDA and are not illegal to possess or buy. They are often sold in joke and sex shops but also in some pubs, clubs, tobacconists and sometimes music or clothes shops used by young people. Though not fully tested in court, the Medicines Control Agency has stated that poppers is regarded by them as a medicine and so falls under the Medicines Act (1968). This allows only licensed outlets, such as chemists to sell the drug. Poppers are also not controlled under the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016).
Solvents
Solvents (aerosols, gases, glues etc.) are not illegal to possess, use or buy at any age. In England and Wales it is an offence for a shopkeeper to sell them to anyone under the age of 18 years old if they know they are to be used for intoxicating purposes. The Government has extended this legislation to make it illegal for shopkeepers to sell lighter fuel (butane) to under 18’s whether or not they know it will be used for intoxicating purposes.
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic Steroids are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act as class C drugs but their legal status is complicated. In most situations the possession offence is waived meaning that people who possess or use steroids without a prescription are unlikely to be prosecuted. However, in some areas of the UK police have successfully prosecuted people for possession of steroids when the steroids have not been in the form of a medicinal product. It is always an offence to sell or supply steroids to another person. People can also be prosecuted for possession with intent to supply if they have large quantities of steroids without a prescription for them.
Tobacco
Tobacco It is an offence for a vendor to sell tobacco products to someone they know to be under the age of 18 years old. Cigarettes must be sold in their original packaging and it is illegal to sell single cigarettes to anyone, adult or child. Since 1st July 2007 smoking in public places has been banned in the UK. Also, since the 21st May 2017, cigarettes will be sold in plain packaging only and 20g will be the minimum size for a pouch of loose rolling tobacco. Smokers will be unable to buy a 10-pack of cigarettes or less since the new law has come into force.
Minor Tranquillisers
Minor Tranquillisers are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act as Class C drugs. Possession, maximum sentence is 2 years, or a fixed penalty fine or both. It is an offence to sell or supply them to another person.
A History Of Changes In Drug & Alcohol Classification
July 2003 – GHB classified as a Class C drug.
January 2004 – Reclassification of cannabis from a Class B to a Class C drug under the Criminal Justice Act 2003.
July 2005 – Raw magic mushrooms classified as a Class A drug. Previously, only prepared (such as dried or stewed) magic mushrooms were classified as Class A drugs.
January 2006 – Ketamine classified as a Class C drug.
January 2007 – Methamphetamine (commonly known as “Crystal Meth”) reclassified from a Class B to a Class A drug.
January 2009 – Reclassification of cannabis from a Class C to a Class B drug.
December 2009 – GBL classified as a Class C drug.
December 2009 – Spice, a synthetic cannabinoid, classified as a Class B drug.
April 2010 – Mephedrone and other cathinone derivatives classified as Class B drugs.
July 2010 – Naphyrone, a stimulant drug closely related to the cathinone family, and often marketed as NRG-1, classified as a Class B drug.
April 2012 – Methoxetamine, a ketamine substitute, is given the first of a new kind of drug control, a Temporary Class Drug Order (TCDO), which bans its sale, but not possession, for up to 12 months while further classification is considered.
November 2012 – Methoxetamine, as well as a new group of synthetic cannabinoids including ‘Black Mamba’, are classified as Class B drugs.
June 2013 – NBOMe, a related drug to the hallucinogen 2CI, and ‘Benzo Fury’, a related drug to ecstasy, given TCDOs.
July 2013 – Classification of khat, a herbal stimulant, as a Class C drug announced.
June 2014 – Ketamine reclassified from Class C to Class B in response to concerns about damage to the bladder from long term use. A number of substances are classified, including NBOMe and related compounds which are now Class A, and ‘Benzo Fury’ and related Benzofuran compounds which are Class B. Lisdexamphetamine, a medicine which converts into amphetamine in the body, is classified as Class B. Tramadol, an opioid painkiller, is classified as Class C, as are Zaleplon and Zopiclone, which are sedatives similar to the already-classified Zolpidem.
March 2015 – New driving offence created which sets blood concentration limits for legal and illegal drugs
March 2016 – ACMD recommend that poppers (Alkyl nitrites) should not be covered by the new Psychoactive Substances Act.
May 2016 – Psychoactive Substances Act comes into force.
January 2017 – Some synthetic cannabinoids like Spice added to Class B of the Misuse of Drugs Act. Possession of these drugs is now a crime.
July 2018 – Cannabis-derived medicinal products recommended to be available on prescription
The ACMD has recommended that cannabis-derived medicinal products should be placed in Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 | ACMD, UK
October 2018 – the Government announced that medicinal cannabis is legal and that patients can be prescribed medicinal cannabis by specialist doctors from 1 November 2018.
Penalties
Maximum penalties under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971):
| Drug class | Possession | Supply |
| Class A | 7 years + fine | Life + fine |
| Class B | 5 years + fine | 14 years + fine |
| Class C | 2 years + fine | 14 years + fine |
Maximum sentences differ according to the nature of the offence – less for possession, more for trafficking, production or for allowing premises to be used for producing or supplying drugs. They also vary according to how harmful the drug is thought to be.
Less serious offences are usually dealt with by magistrates’ courts, where sentences can’t exceed six months and/or a £5,000 fine or three months and/or a fine. Most drug offenders are convicted of unlawful possession. Although maximum penalties are severe, only around one in five people convicted of possession receive a custodial sentence and even fewer actually go to prison, with the majority of fines £50 or less.
Regulations
Most controlled drugs have medical uses, others may be of scientific interest, so the Act allows the government to authorise possession, supply, production and import or export of drugs to meet medical or scientific needs. These exemptions to the general prohibitions are in the form of ‘regulations’ made under the Act.
The most restricted drugs can only be supplied or possessed for research or other special purposes by people licensed by the Home Office; these drugs are not available for normal medical uses and can’t be prescribed by doctors who don’t have a licence (eg LSD). All the other drugs are available for normal medical uses. Most are Prescription Only, so they can only be obtained if they’ve been prescribed by a doctor and supplied by a pharmacy (eg, strong analgesics like morphine, stimulants like amphetamines or cocaine, tranquillisers and most sedatives). Some very dilute, non-injectable preparations of controlled drugs – because they are so unlikely to be misused – can be bought over the counter without a prescription, but only from a pharmacy (eg, some cough medicines and anti-diarrhoea mixtures containing opiates such as Codeine). Medicines available in this way can also legally be possessed by anyone. The same also applies to benzodiazepine tranquillisers and hypnotics (except temazepam and Rohypnol) even though these drugs can only be legally obtained on prescription. Additional regulations effectively restrict the ability to prescribe heroin, dipipanone and cocaine for the treatment of addiction to a few specially licensed doctors.
Please note, for a complete list of the most commonly encountered drugs currently controlled under the misuse of drugs legislation by both Class and Schedule please see the guidance provided by the Home Office here
Schedule 1
These drugs are the most stringently controlled. They are not authorised for medical use and can only be supplied, possessed or administered in exceptional circumstances under a special Home Office licence, usually only for research purposes. Examples include cannabis, coca leaf, ecstasy, LSD, raw opium and psilocin (when extracted from magic mushrooms).
Schedules 2 & 3
These drugs are available for medical use and can be prescribed by doctors. It is illegal for people to be in possession of these drugs without having been prescribed them by a doctor. It is not an offence to be in possession of these drugs if a doctor has prescribed them to you. Schedule 2 drugs include amphetamines, cocaine, dihydrocodeine* (DF 118s), Diconal, heroin, methadone, morphine, opium in medicinal form, pethidine and Ritalin. They are subject to strict record keeping and storage in pharmacies. Schedule 3 drugs include barbiturates, flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and temazepam tranquillisers and are subject to restrictions on prescription writing.
*Note: Codeine, Dihydrocodeine, Acetyldihydrocodeine, Dextropropoxyphene, Difenoxin, Diphenoxylate, Pholcodine and Propiram may fall into schedule 5 depending upon how they are prepared. See Home Office guidelines for more information.
Schedule 4
These drugs have recently been divided into two parts. Part 1 comprises most minor tranquillisers (other than Rohypnol and temazepam) and eight other substances. This new scheduling means that it is now illegal to be in possession of all minor tranquillisers without a prescription. Part 2 drugs comprise anabolic steroids, which can be legally possessed in medicinal form without a prescription but are illegal to supply to other people.
Schedule 5
At the other end of the scale is schedule 5, listing preparations of drugs considered to pose minimal risk of abuse. Some of these dilute, small-dose, non-injectable preparations are allowed to be sold over-the-counter at a pharmacy without a prescription, and all may be possessed by anyone with impunity. But once bought they cannot legally be supplied to another person, a restriction that is probably ignored more often than it is enforced. Among these schedule 5 preparations are some well-known cough medicines, anti-diarrhoea agents and painkillers – see also Schedule 2 note above.
Psychoactive Substances Act (2016)
The Psychoactive Substances Act received Royal Assent on 28 January 2016. The act applies across the UK and came into force on 26 May 2016.
The act:
- Makes it an offence to produce, supply, offer to supply, possess with intent to supply, possess on custodial premises, import or export psychoactive substances; that is, any substance intended for human consumption that is capable of producing a psychoactive effect. The maximum sentence will be 7 years’ imprisonment
- Excludes legitimate substances, such as food, alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, caffeine and medical products from the scope of the offence, as well as controlled drugs, which continue to be regulated by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
- Exempts healthcare activities and approved scientific research from the offences under the act on the basis that persons engaged in such activities have a legitimate need to use psychoactive substances in their work
- Includes provision for civil sanctions – prohibition notices, premises notices, prohibition orders and premises orders (breach of the 2 orders will be a criminal offence) – to enable the police and local authorities to adopt a graded response to the supply of psychoactive substances in appropriate cases
- Provides powers to stop and search persons, vehicles and vessels, enter and search premises in accordance with a warrant, and to seize and destroy psychoactive substances
Producers and suppliers may be given a Notice or Order as follows:
- Prohibition Notice: A warning to stop doing prohibited activity
- Premises Notice: A warning to a property owner, landlord etc. To take steps to stop prohibited activity
- Prohibition Order: A Court Order to stop doing prohibited activity
- Premises Order: A Court Order to a property owner, landlord etc, to take steps to stop prohibited activity
Orders can last for up to three years and being in breach of an Order is a criminal offence punishable by a prison sentence of up to two years, an unlimited fine or both.
See the Home Office guidance documentation on the Act here.
The Medicines Act (1968)
This law governs the manufacture and supply of medicine. It divides medical drugs into three categories.
- Prescription only medicines (POM’s) are the most restricted. They can only be sold or supplied by a pharmacist if supplied by a doctor.
- Pharmacy Only medicines (PM’s) can be sold without a prescription but only by a pharmacist.
- General Sales List medicines (GSM’s) can be sold by any shop, not just a pharmacy. However, even here advertising, labelling and production restrictions apply.
The enforcement of the Medicines Act rarely affects the general public.
The enforcement of the Medicines Act rarely affects the general public.
On 14 August 2012, Section 10(7) of the Medicines Act 1968 was repealed. Section 10(7) provided an exemption in UK law from the requirement for a pharmacist to hold a Wholesale Dealer’s Licence if they trade in medicines in certain circumstances. Its repeal was necessary in order to comply with EU legislation. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued guidance for pharmacies on this matter here.
Customs and Excise Management Act (1979)
Together with the Misuses of Drugs Act, the Customs and Excise Act penalises unauthorised import or export of controlled drugs. The maximum penalties are the same as for other trafficking offences except that in a magistrates court fines can reach up to three times the value of the drugs seized.
The importation or exportation of any controlled drug is prohibited unless it is done in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by the Secretary of State (Home Office) and in compliance with any conditions attached to the licence.
Road Traffic Act (1972)
It is an offence to be in charge of a motor vehicle while “unfit to drive through drink or drugs”. The drugs can include illegal drugs, prescribed medicines, solvents or alcohol.
In March 2015, a new offence was created which sets the blood concentration limits for certain drugs or alcohol. This does not replace any existing offences of driving whilst impaired by drugs, including licensed medicines or alcohol.
Drug Trafficking Act (1994)
It is an offence to sell articles for the preparation or administration of controlled drugs such as cocaine snorting kits. The Act also allows for the seizure of assets and income of someone who is found guilty of drug trafficking, even if the assets and income cannot be shown to have come from the proceeds of drug trafficking.
Crime and Disorder Act (1998)
This Act introduces, for the first time, enforceable drug treatment and testing orders for people convicted of crimes committed in order to maintain their drug or alcohol use.
Yes we can, here is a video explaining a brief overview of the UK legal system about drugs, alcohol and the laws that surround them.
Know Your Rights If You Get Arrested
This video below gives you an overview of your rights if you are arrested and taken for an interview at a police station. Below, you will find the link for the charity Release, they specialise in drug law. You can also find more videos as well as the Release Legal Aid App from Release here which may help you further depending on which substance(s) you were arrested with or the grounds of your arrest if you didn’t have them on you.
You can also find documents and downloads to help you on our downloads & media page here.
Drink/Drug Driving
It’s illegal to drive if either:
- You’re unfit to do so because you’re on legal or illegal drugs
- You have certain levels of illegal drugs in your blood (even if they have not affected your driving)
Legal drugs are prescription or over-the-counter medicines. If you’re taking them and not sure if you should drive, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.
The police can stop you and make you do a ‘field impairment assessment’ if they think you’re on drugs. This is a series of tests, for example asking you to walk in a straight line. They can also use a roadside drug kit to screen for cannabis and cocaine.
If they think you’re unfit to drive because of taking drugs, you’ll be arrested and will have to take a blood or urine test at a police station.
You could be charged with a crime if the test shows you’ve taken drugs.
Driving Whilst On Prescription medicines
It’s illegal in England, Scotland and Wales to drive with legal drugs in your body if it impairs your driving.
It’s an offence to drive if you have over the specified limits of certain drugs in your blood and you have not been prescribed them.
Talk to your doctor about whether you should drive if you’ve been prescribed any of the following drugs:
- Amphetamine, for example Dexamphetamine or Selegiline
- Clonazepam
- Diazepam
- Flunitrazepam
- Lorazepam
- Methadone
- Morphine or opiate and opioid-based drugs, for example Codeine, Tramadol or Fentanyl
- Oxazepam
- Temazepam
You can drive after taking these drugs if:
- you’ve been prescribed them and followed advice on how to take them by a healthcare professional
- they are not causing you to be unfit to drive even if you’re above the specified limits
You could be prosecuted if you drive with certain levels of these drugs in your body and you have not been prescribed them.
The law does not cover Northern Ireland but you could still be arrested if you’re unfit to drive.
Penalties For Drug Driving
If you’re convicted of drug driving you’ll get:
- a minimum 1 year driving ban
- an unlimited fine
- up to 6 months in prison
- a criminal record
Your driving licence will also show you’ve been convicted for drug driving. This will last for 11 years.
The penalty for causing death by dangerous driving under the influence of drugs is a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
Drink Driving Penalties
You could be imprisoned, banned from driving and face a fine if you’re found guilty of drink-driving.
The actual penalty you get is up to the magistrates who hear your case, and depends on your offence.
You may be able to reduce your ban by taking a drink-drive rehabilitation scheme (DDRS) course if you’re banned from driving for 12 months or more. It’s up to the court to offer this.
Being In Charge Of A Vehicle While Above The Legal Limit Or Unfit Through Drink
You may get:
- 3 months’ imprisonment
- Up to £2,500 fine
- A possible driving ban
Driving Or Attempting To Drive While Above The Legal Limit Or Unfit Through Drink
You may get:
- 6 months’ imprisonment
- An unlimited fine
- A driving ban for at least 1 year (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years)
Refusing To Provide A Specimen Of Breath, Blood Or Urine For Analysis
You may get:
- 6 months’ imprisonment
- An unlimited fine
- A ban from driving for at least 1 year
Causing Death By Careless Driving When Under The Influence Of Drink
You may get:
- 14 years’ imprisonment
- An unlimited fine
- A ban from driving for at least 2 years
- An extended driving test before your licence is returned
Other Problems You Could Face For Drink Or Drug Driving
A conviction for drug or drink driving also means:
- Your car insurance costs will increase significantly
- If you drive for work, your employer will see your conviction on your licence
- You may have trouble travelling to countries like the USA among others
For more information about drink/drug driving, visit the UK Government website here.
It’s All Confusing, Can You Simplify It?
What To Do If You Need Legal Help In Relation To Your Own Or Someone Else’s Drug Or Alcohol Use?
If you have any further enquiries about drug or alcohol use, addiction and the law or need help with a legal problem relating to drugs, alcohol or addiction, please see the Release website.
Release is the national centre of expertise on drugs and drugs law (including alcohol). The organisation, founded in 1967, is an independent and registered charity. Through our services the team provides free non-judgemental, specialist advice and information to the public and professionals on issues related to drug use and to drug laws.
You can also find more information about legal aid and representation here on the UK Governments website with more information, links and contact information.
If you or someone else are currently under arrest, involved in a criminal investigation or due to attend a court hearing for a matter related to drugs, alcohol or addiction, you are entitled to free legal advice and representation by a Solicitor. Ask your attending Police Officer, Court Clerk to request that a Solicitor see you for your case.
Other Things To Consider, Do You Know Your Rights?
These videos below gives you some further knowledge when undergoing a drug driving test. These tests are still fairly new compared to traditional alcohol breathalyser testing so some facts are yet not commonly known. That’s why we wanted to share these videos with you to allow this vital information to become common knowledge.
Drug Driving Tests
This video will give you an overview information of a cocaine drug driving test. This video is aimed to give you a further overview of information rather than avoiding prosecution if you are guilty.
This video will give you an overview information of a Cannabis drug driving test. This video is aimed to give you a further overview of information rather than avoiding prosecution if you are guilty.
Being Stopped & Searched
Do you know your rights if you are stopped and searched by the Police? Find out your rights here in this video.
Thank you to M.A.J. Law Ltd, Release & Channel 4 for your contributions to this article.
Disclaimer: We cannot comment on the outcome of cases previously been heard and a verdict made, any current cases current active with the Police or Court or any future legal cases in relation to drugs, alcohol or addiction. We can only provide you with information and advice to seek help and support for your particular case.
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