What is a misuse of drugs act 1971?
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
The primary UK law governing controlled substances. Cannabis remains a Class B drug under this Act. The 2018 amendment was to the separate Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 — it changed what could be prescribed, but didn't change cannabis's legal classification itself.
Where you will see it
In the guide to the law.
Is medical cannabis legal in the UK?Related terms
- Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001
The statutory instrument that controls how scheduled drugs can be used in medicine. The November 2018 amendment moved CBPMs from Schedule 1 (no medical use) to Schedule 2 (can be prescribed by authorised persons).
- ACMD (Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs)
An independent expert body that advises the UK government on drug policy, including recommending the 2018 rescheduling of cannabis to allow medical prescribing.
- CBPM (Cannabis-Based Medicinal Product)
The legal term in UK law for any preparation containing cannabis, cannabis resin, cannabinol, or cannabinol derivative produced for medicinal use. Defined in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 as amended in 2018.
- Drug Driving (Section 5A Road Traffic Act 1988)
The UK law making it an offence to drive with certain controlled drugs above specified limits in the blood. For THC, the limit is 2 micrograms per litre. A medical defence exists for those with a valid prescription who are not impaired.
- GMC (General Medical Council)
The body that regulates doctors in the UK. Only doctors on the GMC Specialist Register can prescribe CBPMs. GPs, who are not on the Specialist Register, cannot prescribe medical cannabis.
This is a plain-language definition for general understanding, not medical or legal advice.
All 101 terms