What follows applies to the UK only. More on a drug’s legal status can be found on each separate drug’s page.
Drug classes
Drugs are grouped into 3 categories (Class A, B and C), with Class A carrying the heaviest penalties.
Any drug not in Class A, B or C is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act but may be controlled under the Medicines Act or other legislation (e.g., consumption of tobacco and alcohol laws).
Class A
This covers ecstasy , acid/LSD, cocaine , crack, heroin, magic mushrooms, crystal meth and any drug (such as speed) that’s been prepared for injecting.
Penalties
- possession: up to 7 years in prison and/or unlimited fine
- supply: up to life in prison and/or unlimited fine
Class B
This covers amphetamines (e.g. speed) and barbiturates.
Penalties
- possession: up to 5 years in prison and/or unlimited fine
- supply: up to 14 years in prison and/or unlimited fine
Class C
This covers GHB, ketamine, cannabis and some tranquilisers – also supplying (but not possessing) steroids.
Penalties
- possession: up to 2 years in prison and/or unlimited fine
- supply: up to 14 years in prison and/or unlimited fine
Maximum sentences are usually given to repeat offenders involved in serious offences.
What does ‘possession’ mean?
This includes having drugs on you, in your car, your house or in luggage you’re responsible for, even if it’s not with you at the time. If you weren’t aware the drugs were there then you’ve not committed a crime. But you are committing a crime if you know drugs are being kept or used in premises you’re responsible for (home, vehicle, business, etc.)
‘Possession’ can mean very small amounts of drug – in some countries just a trace on clothing, an amount too small to even use.
If you admit to drug taking in the past you can be charged with ‘past possession’. ‘Joint possession’ is when two or more people own a shared supply or pool together their drugs. If caught with drugs it’s even worse if you say ‘I was just carrying them for a friend’ or ‘they’re not all for me’ as this means you can be charged with supplying as well as possession.
What does ‘supply’ mean?
This covers dealing but also giving drugs to friends for free. You can be charged with ‘intent to supply’ if it’s thought you were planning on selling or giving the drugs to others later. The law punishes supplying and intending to supply drugs more harshly than just possessing them. Taking drugs into or out of the country carries the heaviest penalties.
When the police are using these laws on you
Get our advice about arrest on the Drugs and the Police page
