UK - Overview of British drug laws

[Pondlife]

This post is not yet complete. Although it may contain useful information, it is incomplete and maybe inaccurate and should not be relied upon.

Last update: 2008-04-07

 

• 1An Overview of British Drug Laws
• 2The Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971
  • 2.1Class A Substances
  • 2.2Class B Substances
  • 2.3Class C Substances
  • 2.4Modifications and Amendments
• 3The Medicines Act, 1968

[top]An Overview of British Drug Laws

The two main pieces of drug legislation in the UK are:

1. The Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971; and
2. The Medicines Act, 1968.

The Misuse of Drugs Act classifies illegal drugs into classes A, B and C; and details the offences associated with these substances including possession and supply. The Medicines Act governs the manufacture and supply of medicines, and classifies medicines into three categories: prescription only, pharmacy medicines, and general sales.

The following acts also reference drugs, or are referenced by the main acts above:

1. Road Traffic Act, 1972 (makes it an offence to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol);
2. Customs and Excise Management Act, 1979 (deals with the import and export of controlled drugs);
3. Licensing Act, 1964 (deals with the sale of alcohol);
4. Cigarette Lighter Refill (Safety) Regulations, 1999 (prevents the supply of butane to people under 18);
5. Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act, 1985 (prevents the sale of solvents to people under 18);
6. Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Act, 1991 (deals with the sale of tobacco);
7. Drug Trafficking Act, 1994 (powers to seize assets and control of equipment); and
8. Crime and Disorder Act, 1998 (ability to require drug treatment for addicts).

[top]The Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971

The Misuse of Drugs Act is the main piece of legislation for illegal drugs, which was originally introduced in 1971. One of the main reasons for this act was to bring the UK drug legislation into line with the requirements of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

The act creates three classes of "controlled substances": classes A, B and C; and introduces offenses for possession, possession with intent to supply, supplying or offering to supply and allowing premises to be used for production or supply.

The lists of controlled substances can be modified "by order", which allows the Home Secretary to introduce, remove or re-classify substances relatively quickly and easily without having to introduce new primary legislation.

Since the act's introduction in 1971 there have been many amendments and modification orders, so it is vital to consult these as well as the original act when evaluating the legal situation.

[top]Class A Substances

[top]Class B Substances

[top]Class C Substances

[top]Modifications and Amendments

Modification Order 1995
Modification Order 1996
Modification Order 1998
Modification Order 2001
Modification Order 2003
Modification Order 2003 No 2
Amendment Order 2005
Amendment Order 2006

[top]The Medicines Act, 1968

The Medicines Act governs the manufacture and supply of "medicinal products". The act creates three classes of medicine: prescription only, which are available only from a pharmacist if prescribed by a doctor or a dentist; pharmacy medicines, available only from a pharmacist but without a prescription; and general sales medicine which may be bought from any shop without a prescription. It also covers the registration, certification and licensing of medicines and suppliers.

Most of the offences under the act involve the supply of medicine rather than possession or use.