Drugs and their classifications 

Illegal drugs are classed A, B, or C under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Class A drugs are considered the most dangerous, and carry the most severe penalties.

The laws concerning drugs aim to protect people from harm, minimise the negative effects on communities and punish the criminals who maintain the trade in illegal drugs.

There are a wide range of offences connected to classified substances, including unlawful possession, intent to supply, supply or offer to supply a controlled drug (even if it is given away for free), and allowing premises to be used by people taking drugs.

The police have powers to stop, detain and search people under the “reasonable suspicion” that they possess classified drugs.

The classifications may change. Cannabis, for example, was a Class C drug until January 2009 but has now been upgraded to a Class B category. This is to reflect the much stronger versions of cannabis that are now available for sale in Britain, particularly the strain known as ‘skunk’. According to the Home Office, ‘skunk’ now accounts for 80 per cent of cannabis on sale, compared with just 30 per cent in 2002.

The courts have the power to consider ‘aggravating’ sentencing factors for anyone caught supplying cannabis near schools. The police also mount raids on buildings known to house ‘cannabis farms’.

The Home Office website outlines the approach of the police towards cannabis possession. Young persons found in possession will be arrested and taken to a police station where they may receive a reprimand, final warning or charge depending on the seriousness of the offence. Once a reprimand has been given, any further offence will lead to a final warning or charge. Once a final warning has been given, any further offence will usually result in criminal charges. The young person will also be referred to a Youth Offending Team for rehabilitation.

The government has set up a drugs information site called Frank (www.talktofrank.com), which has useful information about the effects of drugs, the health risks, whether there is a risk of addiction, and the legal penalties attached. This can be found at www.talktofrank.com.

Adults found in possession of cannabis face arrest, a police warning or a penalty notice for disorder with an on-the-spot fine of £80.

Class A

Ecstasy, LSD, heroin, cocaine, crack, magic mushrooms, and amphetamines (if prepared for injection) are all Class A drugs.

Penalties for possession are up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine, or both.

Penalties for dealing in Class A drugs are up to life in prison or an unlimited fine, or both.

Class B

Amphetamines, Cannabis, Methylphenidate (Ritalin), and Pholcodine are Class B drugs.

Penalties for possession are up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine, or both.

Penalties for dealing in Class B drugs are up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine, or both.

Class C

Tranquilisers, some painkillers, Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and Ketamine are Class C drugs.

Penalties for possession are up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine, or both.

Penalties for dealing in Class C drugs are up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine, or both.

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