Summary
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.
Key Points
- 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
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2016 — Psychoactive Substances Act 2016
Created a blanket ban on 'legal highs' — substances producing psychoactive effects. Overlaps with but does not replace the MDA 1971.