Drugs and the Law
The facts
It is an offence to knowingly have illegal drugs in
your possession, to supply or intend to supply
them to another person, and to grow or produce
them.
The law says that ‘supplying’ can include
passing drugs among friends or allowing people
to take drugs in your house.
Drugs fall into 3
classes, for example:
- Class A: cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms, methadone
- Class B: amphetamines (speed), cannabis, synthetic cannabis, Methylphenidate (Ritalin), Pholcodine
- Class C: ketamine, anabolic steroids, some tranquillisers, some painkillers, "highs" like GHB and GBL
This is not a comprehensive list. If you're not sure about a drug, consult Frank's A-Z of drugs for up-to-date information of legal issues, risks, effects and more.
NOTE: Some prescription medicines carry no penalty for possession but supply is still an offence.
Cannabis
Cannabis has been recategorised twice in recent years as a result of discussion over how serious a health risk it represents. At the moment, it is a Class B drug. This reflects current opinion on the dangers of cannabis. Evidence suggests that even light use of cannabis can be a trigger for mental health problems.
Penalties
These are the maximum penalties.
| |
Class A |
Class B |
Class C |
| Possession |
7 years in prison
&/or unlimited
fine |
5 years in prison |
2 years in prison |
| Supply |
life in prison
&/or unlimited
fine |
14 years in prison
&/or unlimited
fine |
5 years in prison
&/or unlimited
fine |
NOTE: Driving under the influence of cannabis or any other drug is an offence.
The actual penalty you receive will depend on the seriousness of the crime, where you are tried (in a criminal or magistrates court), any previous criminal record and your individual circumstances.
Even if you only have a light penalty, having a criminal record can cause problems in your future.
Support to help people stop taking drugs
Drugs are addictive. This means that people may struggle to give them up, even though they know that taking drugs is harmful, dangerous and illegal.
The T2 Drug Service is for young people who are using drugs and want support to address issues with their drug use, e.g.
- problems at home, work or school
- bad effects on relationships
- difficult thoughts or emotions
Whether you're starting to feel worried about your drug use, struggling with an addiction, or feeling out of control, the T2 Drugs Service can help.
Experience: getting help to stop taking drugs
If other young people are having problems with cannabis and feel sketchy or paranoid then they should definitely talk to a drugs worker, that’s what I did and although it did not happen overnight it was worth all the effort and has really changed my life for the better. – C, age 19 [read the rest of C's story]
More drugs/legal information websites
