DRUGS AND THE LAW

Drug laws are very complicated indeed. But if you get caught, not knowing the law won't make any difference.

• It is illegal to possess, produce or supply the following drugs (called controlled drugs): LSD; Cocaine and crack; Ecstasy; Amphetamines; Heroin; Cannabis; GHB; Magic Mushrooms; Anabolic Steroids.
• It is illegal to possess tranquillisers (also a controlled drug) without a personal prescription, and it's illegal to supply them to others.
• It is illegal to possess GHB, it is not illegal to posses poppers - but you could be arrested if you share poppers with others.
• It is not illegal to possess gases or solvents, but shopkeepers cannot supply gases or solvents to under 18's if they suspect or know they will be used for abuse purposes.

Cannabis and the law

Cannabis has been re classified from a Class B drug to a Class C drug. This has not changed the way the drug is being policed for people under 18. As it stands, the law states that:

• The possession, supply and production of any form of cannabis is illegal.
• Anybody who is suspected to be in possession in the vicinity of a school will be arrested.

If you are caught supplying cannabis to others - and even giving a small amount to your mates can be defined as supplying - you could face a criminal record.

POSSESSION, SUPPLY AND PRODUCTION

Possessing a controlled drug (unless on prescription) is an offence - even if it is only a very small amount. Depending on the drug and the amount you have on you when caught, you may not be sent to prison, but you could end up with a criminal record.

Supplying or offering to supply someone else with a controlled drug is an offence too. Even if you give the drug to someone and don't take any money, it is still supplying. If you are found guilty of supplying, a prison sentence is possible.

Producing any controlled drug is an offence. This includes letting someone use your house or room to produce a drug. If you grow cannabis, you may be prosecuted for producing drugs.