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Class Of Drug

Types of Drugs

For Possession

Class A

Cocaine, Crack, Ecstasy, Heroin, LSD (Acid), Magic Mushrooms, Speed (Amphetamines) if prepared for injection.

Up to 7 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.

Up to life imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.

Class B

Speed (Amphetamine).

Up to 5 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.

Up to 14 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.

Class C

Cannabis, GHB, Ketamine, Benzodiazepines such as Temazepam, Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and Diazepam (Valium). Class C also includes Anabolic Steroids: although possession of anabolic steroids for an individual's own use is not an offence, unlawful / possession with intent to supply is an offence.

Up to 2 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.

Up to 14 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.

Off The Shelf

The law also states that any person allowing anyone to take drugs, or deal in drugs, in their home is also committing an offence whether or not that person is involved directly with the use or dealings with the drugs in question.

Cannabis has been reclassified to a Class C drug from a Class B drug. This change in the law is after the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs advised that cannabis is harmful, but not as harmful as other Class B drugs. This will give a more credible message to young people about the relative dangers of drugs. The change will enable the Government and the Police to focus more effectively on Class A drugs such as heroin and crack/cocaine which cause the most harm.

Has cannabis been legalised?
No. Possession and possession with intent to supply are still against the law, and you can still be arrested for them. From 29 January 2004, class C penalties can be applied.

Will I be arrested for possession of cannabis now it's a class C drug?
You can still be arrested, but under the guidance being issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to all police forces, there will be a presumption against arrest if you are over 18. For adults, most offences of cannabis possession are likely to result in a warning and confiscation of the drug. But the following instances may lead to arrest and possible caution or prosecution:

Repeat offending
Smoking in a public place
Instances where public order is threatened

Cannabis will remain controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act; and possession and supply will remain a criminal offence, but the maximum penalties for possession will be reduced from 5 years to 2 years imprisonment Maximum penalties for supplying and dealing cannabis will remain at 14 years imprisonment.