Transcript The Law and Drugs

The law and drugs –
Section 3
What is a drug?
A drug can be:
 Any substance used in the composition of
medicine
or
 A substance used to stupefy or poison for
self indulgence
Watch the following slides and decide
whether the substances are or are not
drugs:
Tea
Coffee
Heroin
Tobacco
Cocaine
Aspirin
Cough medicine
Alcohol
Cannabis
Ecstasy
Why are …
 some drugs legal?
 some illegal?
In law drugs are either
 Uncontrolled drugs
or
 Controlled drugs
What is the difference?
Uncontrolled Drugs
 Drugs and medicines that are freely
available without prescription
e.g. aspirin and paracetamol
Controlled Drugs
 Drugs that can only be lawfully obtained
under medical supervision
e.g. in a hospital or prescribed by a doctor
Under the
Misuse of Drugs Act
If you possess or use a controlled drug without it
being prescribed then you are guilty of an offence:
 The unlawful possession of a controlled drug
 Possession of a controlled substance with intent
to supply it
 Supplying or offering to supply a controlled drug
(even where no charge is made for the drug)
 Allowing premises you occupy or manage to be
used for the purpose of drug taking
Classification
Controlled drugs are classified as:
 Class A
 Class B
 Class C
Class A
These include: cocaine, heroin, ecstacy,
LSD, Temazepan
Penalties for possession: Up to seven
years in prison, an unlimited fine or both
Penalties for dealing: Up to life in prison,
an unlimited fine or both
Class B drugs
These include: amphetamines, speed,
barbiturates.
Penalties for possession: Up to five years
in prison, an unlimited fine or both
Penalties for dealing: Up to 14 years in
prison, an unlimited fine or both
Class C drugs
Drugs in this category include: cannabis,
tranquillisers, valium, anabolic steroids
Penalties for possession: Up to two years
in prison, an unlimited fine or both
Penalties for dealing: Up to 14 years in
prison, an unlimited fine or both