Controlled Drug in the United Kingdom

Controlled Drug in the United Kingdom refers to a classification system for drugs that are regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in the United Kingdom. The Act categorizes drugs into five schedules, each specifying the requirements for possession, supply, production, importation and exportation.

Classification

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 classifies drugs into three classes: A, B, and C. Class A drugs are considered the most harmful, including heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and LSD. Class B includes amphetamines, cannabis, and methylphenidate. Class C includes anabolic steroids, benzodiazepines, and GHB.

Schedules

The Act also categorizes drugs into five schedules, each specifying the requirements for possession, supply, production, importation and exportation.

• Schedule 1: These drugs are considered to have no therapeutic value. Examples include LSD, cannabis, and ecstasy.
• Schedule 2: These drugs have a high potential for abuse and dependency, but also have legitimate medical uses. Examples include morphine, amphetamine, and methadone.
• Schedule 3: These drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule 2 drugs, but still have potential for dependency. Examples include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and anabolic steroids.
• Schedule 4: These drugs have a low potential for abuse and dependency. Examples include benzodiazepines not listed in Schedule 3, and anabolic steroids not listed in Schedule 3.
• Schedule 5: These drugs have a very low potential for abuse and dependency. Examples include codeine and paracetamol.

Regulation

The Home Office is responsible for enforcing the regulations on controlled drugs in the UK. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices are safe and effective.

See also

• Drug policy of the United Kingdom
• Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency