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Categorization of Drugs

Firstly, the most important question to ask yourself is whether the drugs that are found in your possession fall within the category of a “Controlled Drug”. Only in situations wherein you are found in possession of such controlled drugs shall you be held liable for the offence of Drug Possession.

What is a Controlled Drug?
A controlled drug is a type of drug or substance that due to its nature of causing addiction amongst people, having harmful health effects or being abused is regulated by the government.
The control on such substances is exercised via controlling the procedure of its making, its usage, handling, distribution, storage etc. Such drugs may also include steroids, opium, depressants etc.

These are certain prohibited drugs that are being used for non-medical purposes unlawfully. These are:-

  • Class A
  • Class B or
  • Class C drugs

These drugs have been listed within PART 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Some examples of these drugs include cocaine, heroin, LSD etc.

To find out the listed controlled drugs:
Open the link given above
Open schedule 2 of the act
Within the 2nd schedule find out the controlled drugs listed within Part 1,2, and 3
If you do not possess a drug that has been mentioned in the schedule above, you are not liable for the offence of Drug Possession.

For your convenience the link to the act is provided below:
www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/38/pdfs/ukpga_19710038_en.pdf

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