Home Office
You can get a fine or prison sentence if you:
- take drugs
- carry drugs
- make drugs
- sell, deal or share drugs (also called supplying them)
The penalties depend on the type or class of drug or substance, the amount you have, and whether youre also dealing or producing it.
Class A
Class A drugs include:
- cocaine
- crack cocaine
- ecstasy (MDMA)
- heroin
- LSD
- magic mushrooms
- methadone
- methamphetamine (crystal meth)
Class B
Class B drugs include:
- amphetamines
- barbiturates
- cannabis
- codeine
- gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
- gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)
- ketamine
- methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- synthetic cannabinoids
- synthetic cathinones (for example mephedrone, methoxetamine)
Class C
Class C drugs include:
- anabolic steroids
- benzodiazepines (diazepam)
- khat
- piperazines (BZP)
Temporary class drugs
The government can ban new drugs for one year under a temporary banning order while they decide how the drugs should be classified.
Penalties for drug possession, supply and production
The maximum penalties for drug possession, supply (selling, dealing or sharing) and production depend on the drug class.
| Maximum penalty for possession | Maximum penalty for supply and production | |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both | Up to life in prison, an unlimited fine or both |
| Class B | Up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both | Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both |
| Class C | Up to 2 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both (except anabolic steroids - its not an offence to possess them for personal use) | Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both |
| Temporary class drugs | None, but police can take away a suspected temporary class drug | Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both |
Psychoactive substances penalties
Psychoactive substances are things that cause:
- hallucinations
- drowsiness
- changes in alertness
- changes in perception of time and space
- changes in mood or empathy with others
They include things like nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
Food, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, medicine and illegal drugs do not count as psychoactive substances.
Possession penalty
There is no penalty for carrying psychoactive substances, unless youre in prison.
Supply and production penalty
You can get up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both if you:
- carry a psychoactive substance and you intend to supply it
- make a psychoactive substance
- sell, deal or share a psychoactive substance (also called supplying them)
Possessing drugs
You may be charged with possessing an illegal substance if youre caught with drugs, whether theyre yours or not.
If youre under 18, the police are allowed to tell your parent, guardian or carer that youve been caught with drugs.
Your penalty will depend on:
- the class and quantity of drug
- where you and the drugs were found
- your personal history (previous crimes, including any previous drug offences)
- other aggravating or mitigating factors
Cannabis and khat
Police can issue a warning or an on-the-spot fine of up to 90 if youre found with cannabis or khat. You may be able to pay your penalty without getting a formal warning or caution.
If youre repeatedly found with cannabis or khat, your penalty may vary from treatment to their maximum penalty for possession.
Dealing or supplying drugs
The penalty is likely to be more severe if you are found to be supplying drugs (dealing, selling or sharing).
The police will probably charge you if they suspect you of supplying drugs. The amount of drugs found and whether you have a criminal record will affect your penalty.
More information
Talk to FRANK has help, information and advice about drugs.