Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

요약

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is the principal legislation controlling dangerous or harmful drugs in the UK. It classifies controlled substances into Classes A, B, and C based on their perceived harmfulness, and creates offences for possession, possession with intent to supply, production, and supply. The classification determines the maximum penalties.

핵심 포인트

• Class A drugs — Heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, magic mushrooms. Maximum penalty: 7 years for possession, life imprisonment for supply/production
• Class B drugs — Cannabis, amphetamines, ketamine, synthetic cannabinoids. Maximum penalty: 5 years for possession, 14 years for supply
• Class C drugs — Anabolic steroids, benzodiazepines, GHB. Maximum penalty: 2 years for possession, 14 years for supply
• Possession (s.5) — It is an offence to have a controlled drug in one's possession without lawful authority
• Supply and intent to supply (s.4) — Supplying or offering to supply a controlled drug is a serious offence
• Production (s.4) — Producing a controlled drug (e.g., growing cannabis) is an offence
• Defence of lack of knowledge (s.28) — A person has a defence if they did not know, suspect, or have reason to suspect that the substance was a controlled drug

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