Introduction to the misuse of drugs act

Question 1

what is the misuse of drugs act (1971)

Answer 1

-aims to regulate the control use and possession of certain drugs that may be harmful/dangerous to society

Question 2

what are controlled drugs

Answer 2

drugs that are monitiored by the law due to the potential to cause harm e.g. illegal substances, restricted use drugs, prescription drugs (only legal with a prescription)

Question 3

what are the classes of controlled drugs

Answer 3

-class A: most harmful, cocaine, heroin etc.
-class B: little less harmful e.g. cannabis, amphetamines
-class c: anabolic steroids, tramadol

Question 4

what’s the advised council on the misuse of drugs (ACMD)

Answer 4

-advice for government on drug relates issues in the uk e.g. drugs with misuse potential/ are being misused

Question 5

what is the misuse of drugs regulations (2011)

Answer 5

-covers the use of CD (import, export, transport, supply) for medicinal uses/ scientific purposes e.g. OTC or prescriptions
-for non medical use, prescribers might need a home office license to have possession

Question 6

what are the schedules of drugs

Answer 6

-schedule 1: no therapuetic use, license required for supply and possess etc. includes hallucinogenic substances and cannabis

-schedule 2: CD POMS. Includes opiates (diamorphine, oxycodone). Pharmacists etc. have general authority to possess, supply etc. License required

-schedule 3 (CD no register POM). e.g. minor stimulants. Drugs thought to be less likely to be misused or harmful if it is misused

-schedule 4: CD Benz POM (most of the benzodiazepines) or CD anab POM (most anabolic and androgenic steroids)

-schedule 5: CD inv POM and CD INV. P. medicinal product contains low strength of the cd drug. Less control as theres less risk of control

Question 7

what’s the misuse of drugs (safe custody) regulation

Answer 7

-requirement to keep the relevant CDs in a ‘locked safe, cabinet or room to prevent unauthorised access to the drugs

Question 8

who is an accountable officer

Answer 8

according to the health act and the CD regulations the NHS England must have a CD officer (CDAO) to manage CDs effectively, comply with legislation, and report incidents