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Law Library

The UKCIA law library contains the full text of the most important legislation governing the use of drugs, including cannabis, in the UK. Please note this information is given for guidance only and should not be taken as authoritative. If you have legal troubles, please do not rely on the information given here for your defence.

Please consult a law professional for any questions on the legislation and interpretation of drug laws!

Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
The main Act governing the usage of 'illicit' drugs in the UK. Updated to take into account changes in legislation. (262k)

Classification of cannabis
Home Office site, 2009. Re-reclassification to class B

UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961
(198k)

UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971
(145k)

UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988
(136k)

Human Rights Act 1998
This is the Act which a number of people have been trying to use as a defence against punishment for cannabis possession. Is it compatible with the 1971 MoDA? (86k)

Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001
The regulations banning cannabis from being medically prescribed under any circumstances, despite its proven effectiveness. (164k)

Drug Trafficking Act 1994
(331k)

2012 Sentencing Guidelines for Drugs Offences in England & Wales

The following related documents may be of more historical interest

US dept of justuce - DEA opinion and recommended ruling, findings of fact, conclusions of law and decision of administrative law judge

English Bill of Rights 1689

Magna Carta

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief

European convention on Human Rights

Current drugs and human rights legislation