List of controlled drugs in the United Kingdom

List of Controlled Drugs in the United Kingdom

The List of Controlled Drugs in the United Kingdom refers to substances that are regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and subsequent amendments in the UK. The Act classifies drugs into three main categories (Class A, Class B, and Class C) based on their potential for harm and misuse. This classification system aims to control the possession, supply, production, and import/export of these substances. The Home Office is the government body responsible for the enforcement of drug laws in the UK.

Classification System

The classification system under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is designed to penalize the misuse of drugs by categorizing them based on their perceived harm. The categories are as follows:

• Class A: These are considered the most harmful drugs, including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and LSD. Penalties for possession or supply of Class A drugs are the most severe.
• Class B: This category includes drugs like cannabis, amphetamine, and barbiturates. Penalties are less severe than for Class A drugs but still significant.
• Class C: Drugs in this category are considered the least harmful and include substances like anabolic steroids, ketamine, and some benzodiazepines. Penalties for Class C drugs are the least severe among the three classes.

Temporary Class Drug Orders

In addition to the three main classes, the UK government introduced the concept of Temporary Class Drug Orders (TCDOs) to quickly control substances that pose an immediate health risk but have not yet been classified. These orders can be used to temporarily classify new psychoactive substances (often referred to as "legal highs") as Class B drugs for up to 12 months while a more detailed assessment is conducted.

List of Controlled Drugs

Due to the extensive nature of controlled substances under UK law, this article will not list every controlled drug. However, notable examples in each category include:

• Class A: Heroin, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, LSD, MDMA (Ecstasy), and Magic Mushrooms.
• Class B: Cannabis, Amphetamine, Methylphenidate (Ritalin), and Synthetic Cannabinoids.
• Class C: Ketamine, Anabolic Steroids, Benzodiazepines (such as Diazepam), and GHB/GBL.

Legal Implications

The possession, supply, or production of controlled drugs without appropriate authorization is illegal under UK law. Penalties vary depending on the class of drug, the amount involved, and whether the offense involves possession or supply. Penalties can range from fines and community service to long prison sentences.

See Also

• Drug policy of the United Kingdom
• Psychoactive Substances Act 2016
• War on Drugs