The Law.
Access to many drugs in the UK is controlled in law under The Misuse of Drugs Act. Anyone who breaks the laws governing drugs risks a criminal record that may seriously affect their future, for example through limited job prospects or restrictions on travel to other countries.
If a police officer has reasonable grounds to suspect you are carrying an illegal drug, you can be stopped and searched and may be taken to a police station for this to be carried out.
There are three types of offence under The Misuse of Drugs Act
Possession
This includes having the drug on you or with you, or having control over a drug, such as within your house, locker or car and extends to having someone else look after it for you.
Intent to Supply
Whether you are in lawful (eg, prescribed for you) or unlawful possession of a drug, it is an offence if you decide to give or sell that drug to someone else.
Supply
It is an offence to give, sell or share an illegal drug with someone else.
Drugs and Driving
The biggest cause of death amongst young people is road traffic accidents, in a high percentage of these cases alcohol and/or drugs is a significant factor. Drugs such as cannabis can affect reaction times and concentration when driving. Even medications such as cold remedies and tranquillisers can increase the chance of an accident.
Always read the instructions or ask for advice from your doctor or pharmacist about driving when taking any medicine you can buy over the counter or that is prescribed for you.
Never drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Even small amounts of alcohol, under the legal limit, increase the chance of an accident.
Causing an accident while driving under the influence of drugs, including alcohol, can have serious consequences, such as injury or death to others, your passengers or yourself and difficulties finding affordable insurance. Losing your driving licence may cost you your job and limit your freedom to go out when and where you want.
For more information about the law and individual drugs and alcohol, see drug descriptions.
Misuse of Drugs Act
Drugs Act 2005