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Drugs and the law

If found dealing Class A drugs, you can be put in jail for life. 12 year old boy. The law divides drugs into three classes: A, B and C. Classification is based on the harm that specific drugs may cause to individuals, families and society. Class A drugs include the most dangerous drugs like heroin and cocaine, Class B includes amphetamines and barbiturates, and Class C includes drugs like tranquillisers and some steroids.

Class A drugs carry the heaviest penalties for both possession and dealing. Possession means being caught with drugs you intend to use. Dealing means selling or giving drugs to others or being caught with drugs you intend to sell or give to someone else. Those found guilty of possession or dealing can be fined, sent to prison or both.

It is an offence if you allow anyone to take, sell or supply drugs in your house. It is also illegal to supply or sell solvents such as cigarette lighter refills, glue or aerosol sprays to someone in the knowledge that they will be abused.

It is illegal to grow or produce drugs.

**Drug Classification**
Class of drug	Possession	Dealing
A Ecstasy, LSD, heroin, cocaine and crack, magic mushrooms (if prepared for use), amphetamines (if prepared for injection).	Up to 7 years in prison or an unlimited fine. Or both.	Up to life in prison or an unlimited fine. Or both.
B Amphetamines (speed), Methylphenidate (Ritalin), Pholcodine.	Up to 5 years in prison or an unlimited fine. Or both.	Up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine. Or both.
C Cannabis**, Tranquillisers, some painkillers, GHB (Gamma hydroxybutyrate).	Up to 2 years in prison or an unlimited fine. Or both.	Up to 14 years in prison** or an unlimited fine. Or both.

Some drugs are not yet classified and are regulated through The Medicines Act.
For example, Ketamine.

** Cannabis was reclassified from a Class B to a Class C drug early in 2004. This is not the same as legalisation or decriminalisation, and possession and supply of cannabis remain criminal offences. At the same time, the maximum penalty for dealing in Class C drugs was increased to 14 years in prison.

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