Drugs

Many different drugs can be prescribed by doctors in the UK, except for substances that have no therapeutic value and are ultimately harmful. However, even those can be obtained legally by researchers with a Home Office licence. It was the significant rise of the black market in drugs for recreational purposes in the 1960s that led to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and its classification of drugs according to their potential harm to users, both physically and in society.

Class A (most dangerous) includes heroin, cocaine, fentanyl and LSD. A supplier or producer can be jailed for life. A user can face 7 years in prison and/or a fine. Class B includes cannabis, barbiturates and ketamine. A user can be jailed for up to 5 years and/or be fined.  Class C includes anabolic steroids, pregabalin, tramadol and many more. Users can receive 2 years and/or a fine. Suppliers or producers of Classes B and C can be imprisoned for 14 years and/or be fined.

A drug’s classification can be changed, e.g. cannabis was Class C in 2004-09. The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 introduced Schedules to assist doctors. Schedule I drugs cannot be prescribed. Schedule V covers over-the-counter tablets. The Schedules between can all be prescribed.

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