The Medicines Act 1968 divides medicine products into 3 categories: 

The Controlled Substances Act of 1990 set up the legal classifications of drugs based on their use, abuse and how safe they are considered. 

Controlled drugs are divided into 5 schedules depending on their medicinal benefit or potential for harm. 

These are: 

Schedule 1 Drugs

High abuse

No recognised medicinal use and have the highest level of control. 

Legislation specifies who can produce, possess and supply these drugs and how they should be stored, administered and destroyed.

Schedule 2 Drugs

High abuse

Some medical use, high risk of dependency.

Schedule 3 Drugs

Lower abuse

Medical use and moderate dependency risk.

Schedule 4 Drugs

Limited abuse

High medical use, limited dependency risk.

Schedule 5 Drugs

Minor Problems

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, illegal drugs were placed into one of 3 classes, specified as A, B or C. 

The class is broadly based on the harm they cause either to the user or to society when they are misused.

The class into which a drug is placed affects the maximum penalty for an offence involving the drug. For example, Class A drugs attract the most severe penalty as they are considered likely to cause the most serious harm. Drugs controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act are illegal to have, produce, give away or sell.

In 2001, the Misuse of Drugs Regulations were updated to allow lawful possession and supply of controlled (illegal) drugs for legitimate purpose. In 2012, further changes were made covering prescribers, mixing of medicines for administration to patients that include controlled (illegal) drugs and possession authorities under patient group directions. And there’s more and it’s all a bit complicated. You definitely don’t need illegal drugs, this course is enough to blow your mind!

Keep yourself up to date, use trusted and reliable internet sites for research and ask your manager if you are unsure.