The law and drugs – Section 3

What is a drug?

A drug can be:

Any substance used in the composition of medicine or

A substance used to stupefy or poison for self indulgence

Watch the following slides and decide whether the substances are or are not drugs:

Tea

Coffee

Heroin

Tobacco

Cocaine

Aspirin

Cough medicine

Alcohol

Cannabis

Ecstasy

Why are …

some drugs legal?

some illegal?

In law drugs are either

Uncontrolled drugs or

Controlled drugs

What is the difference?

Uncontrolled Drugs

Drugs and medicines that are freely available without prescription e.g. aspirin and paracetamol

Controlled Drugs

Drugs that can only be lawfully obtained under medical supervisione.g. in a hospital or prescribed by a doctor

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act

If you possess or use a controlled drug without it being prescribed then you are guilty of an offence: The unlawful possession of a controlled drug Possession of a controlled substance with

intent to supply it Supplying or offering to supply a controlled

drug (even where no charge is made for the drug)

Allowing premises you occupy or manage to be used for the purpose of drug taking

Classification

Controlled drugs are classified as:

Class A

Class B

Class C

Class A

These include: cocaine, heroin, ecstacy, LSD, Temazepan

Penalties for possession: Up to seven years in prison, an unlimited fine or both

Penalties for dealing: Up to life in prison, an unlimited fine or both

Class B drugs

These include: amphetamines, speed, barbiturates.

Penalties for possession: Up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both

Penalties for dealing: Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both

Class C drugs

Drugs in this category include: cannabis, tranquillisers, valium, anabolic steroids

Penalties for possession: Up to two years in prison, an unlimited fine or both

Penalties for dealing: Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both