Drugs controlled by the UK Misuse of Drugs Act


Drugs controlled by the United Kingdom Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 are listed in this article.
These drugs are known in the UK as controlled drugs, because this is the term by which the act itself refers to them. In more general terms, however, many of these drugs are also controlled by the Medicines Act 1968, there are many other drugs which are controlled by the Medicines Act but not by the Misuse of Drugs Act, and other substances which may be considered drugs are controlled by other laws.
The Misuse of Drugs Act sets out three separate categories, Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A drugs represent those deemed most dangerous, and so carry the harshest punishments. Class C represents those thought to have the least capacity for harm, and so the Act demands more lenient punishment. In reality the potential harm has little bearing on the class, which has led to dissatisfaction with drug laws.
Being found in possession of a drug on this list is dealt with less seriously than would be if it were deemed that there is intent to supply the drug to others. Possession with intent to supply carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
With regard to lawful possession and supply, a different set of categories apply which are set out in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. This sets out five schedules each with their own restrictions. Schedule 1 contains substances considered by the government to have no medicinal value, such as hallucinogens, and their use is limited primarily to research, whereas schedules 2–5 contain the other regulated drugs. This means that although drugs may fall into the category of Class A/B/C, they may also fall into one of the schedules for legitimate medicinal use. For example, morphine is a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, but when lawfully supplied falls under the category of a Schedule 2 controlled drug.
Substances may be removed and added to different parts of the schedule by statutory instrument, provided a report of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has been commissioned and has reached a conclusion, although the Secretary of State is not bound by the council's findings. This list has in practice been modified a great number of times, sometimes removing substances, but more commonly adding some; for example, many benzodiazepines became Class C drugs in 1985, and many cathinones became Class B drugs in 2010.
Glossary of terminology used in this list
anabolic steroids – hormones that build muscle tissue

benzodiazepines – a class of sedative/anxiolytic drugs

cannabinoids – drugs that bind to cannabinoid receptors

arylcyclohexamines – dissociatives which act on the NMDA receptors

opioids – Drugs that bind to opioid receptors

phenethylamines – psychedelics based on phenethylamine

sedatives – drugs that lower arousal

stimulants – drugs that heighten arousal

tryptamines – psychedelics based on tryptamine

Class A drugs

1. The following substances, namely:—
Name as specified
in the Act		Brand or
street name		Drug typeWhen
added
Notes and comments
Acetorphineopioid1971primarily used to sedate elephants, giraffes and rhinos
Alfentanilopioid1984
Allylprodineopioid1971
Alphacetylmethadolopioid1971synthetic
Alphameprodineopioid1971
Alphamethadolopioid1971
Alphaprodineopioid1971
Anileridineopioid1971
Benzethidineopioid1971
Benzylmorphineopioid1971
Betacetylmethadolopioid1971
Betameprodineopioid1971
Betamethadolopioid1971
Betaprodineopioid1971
BezitramideBurgodinopioid1971
BufoteninToad skin toxintryptamine1971found in the skins of psychoactive toads, especially Bufo alvarius
CarfentanilWildnilopioid1986Strongest known opioid; 10,000 times more potent than morphine, 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Used as a tranquiliser for large game.
Clonitazeneopioid1971
Coca leafErythroxylum1971the plant from which cocaine is derived
Cocainecoke, crackTropane alkaloid1971one of the most widely used illicit drugs in the world
DesomorphineKrokodil opioid1971Primarily used in Russia and Ukraine. Its full chemical name is dihydrodesoxymorphine.
DextromoramidePalfiumopioid1971
Diamorphineheroin, smack, dope, black taropioid1971the world's most widely abused illicit opioid
Diampromideopioid1971
Diethylthiambuteneopioid1971
DifenoxinRoskiesopioid1975
Dihydrocodeinone O-carboxymethyloximeopioid1971
Dihydroetorphineopioid 2003Semi-synthetic opioid; derivative of etorphine
DihydromorphineParamorphanopioid1971
Dimenoxadolopioid1971
Dimepheptanolopioid1971an analogue of methadone
Dimethylthiambuteneopioid1971
Dioxaphetyl butyrateopioid1971
Diphenoxylateopioid1971
Dipipanoneopioid1971
Drotebanolopioid1973
Ecgonineprecursor1971"and any derivative of ecgonine which is convertible to ecgonine or to cocaine"
Ethylmethylthiambuteneopioid1971
Eticyclidinearylcyclohexylamine1984
Etonitazeneopioid1971
Etorphineopioid19711,000–3,000 times more potent than morphine, veterinary use only for large game
Etoxeridineopioid1971
Etryptaminetryptamine1998
FentanylActiq, Duragesic, Sublimazeopioid1971Approximately 100 times the strength of morphine
Furethidineopioid1971
HydrocodoneVicodin, Norco, Lortabopioid1971
Hydromorphinolopioid1971
HydromorphoneDilaudid, Palladone, Hymorphan, drug store heroinopioid1971
Hydroxypethidineopioid1971
Isomethadoneopioid1971Simple positional isomer of Methadone
Ketobemidoneopioid1971
Levomethorphanopioid1971
Levomoramideopioid1971the totally inactive isomer of dextromoramide
Levophenacylmorphanopioid1971
LevorphanolLevo-Dromoranopioid1971
Lofentanilopioid1986
Lysergamideergoline1971a precursor to LSD
Lysergic acid diethylamideLSD, acidergoline1971"Lysergide and other N-alkyl derivatives of lysergamide"
Mescalinemescalinephenethylamine1971found naturally in the peyote cactus
MDMAEcstasy, molly, or mandy phenethylamine1977not specifically named but covered by the ban of alkylenedioxy-substituted phenethylamines
MDAphenethylamine1977not specifically named but covered by the ban of alkylenedioxy-substituted phenethylamines
Metazocineopioid1971
MethadoneMethadose, Dolophineopioid1971used in opioid replacement therapy to treat addiction
Methadyl acetateopioid1971used in treating opioid addiction, structurally related to methadone
MethamphetamineDesoxyn, crystal meth, meth, ice, glassstimulant2006moved from class B to class A in 2006
Methyldesorphineopioid1971
Methyldihydromorphineopioid1971
Metoponopioid1971
Morpheridineopioid1971
Morphineopioid1971derivative of the opium poppy and powerful painkiller
Morphine methobromideopioid1971"morphine N-oxide and other pentavalent nitrogen morphine derivatives"
Myrophineopioid1971
Nicomorphineopioid1971
Noracymethadolopioid1971
Norlevorphanolopioid1971
Normethadoneopioid1971
Normorphineopioid1971
NorpipanoneHexalgonmethadol1971
OpiumLaudanum, Pantoponopioid mixture1971milky secretion of the opium poppy – banned "whether raw, prepared or medicinal"
OxycodoneOxyContin, Percocetopioid1971Widely used strong pain killer
OxymorphoneNumorphan, Opanaopioid1971
Pethidinemeperidine, Demerol, Dolantineopioid1971
Phenadoxoneopioid1971
Phenampromideopioid1971
Phenazocineopioid1971Discontinued in 2001
Phencyclidineangel dust, PCParylcyclohexylamine1979
Phenomorphanopioid1971
Phenoperidineopioid1971
Piminodineopioid1971
PiritramideDipidoloropioid1971
Poppy-strawPapaver somniferum1971"Poppy-straw and concentrate of poppy-straw."
Proheptazineopioid1971
Properidineopioid1971
Psilocintryptamine1971Psychoactive ingredient found in most psychedelic mushrooms
Psilocybe mushroomsmagic mushroomsfungi2005"Fungus which contains psilocin or an ester of psilocin."
Racemethorphanopioid mixture1971Racemic mixture of Dextromethorphan and Levomethorphan
Racemoramideopioid mixture1971
Racemorphanopioid mixture1971
Remifentanilopioid2003Strong painkiller; cannot be used without plasma infusion equipment
RolicyclidinePCPyarylcyclohexylamine1984Very similar to phencyclidine
SufentanilSufentaopioid1983
TenocyclidineTCParylcyclohexylamine1984Very similar to phencyclidine, but considerably more potent
TapentadolNucyntaopioid2009Dual action as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
ThebaconAcediconeopioid1971
Thebaineopioid1971
TilidateValtranopioid1983
Trimeperidineopioid1971
2,5-Dimethoxy-4-bromoamphetamineDOBphenethylamine1975a drug of the DOx family
4-Cyano-2-dimethylamino-4,4-diphenylbutaneopioid 1971Methadone intermediate
4-Cyano-1-methyl-4-phenyl-piperidineopioid 1971Intermediate chemical in generation of the opioid, Pethidine
N,N-DiethyltryptamineDET, T-9tryptamine1971
N,N-DimethyltryptamineDMT, spice, changatryptamine1971Intense psychedelic drug
2,5-Dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamineDOMphenethylamine1971a drug of the DOx family.
N-Hydroxy-tenamphetamineMDOHstimulant1990
1-Methyl-4-phenylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acidPethidinic acidprecursor1971
2-Methyl-3-morpholino-1,1-diphenylpropanecarboxylic acidopioid 1971Converted in the body into the opioid Moramide
4-Methyl-aminorexicestimulant1990
4-Methyl-5--4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-amineSerotoni, 4,4'-DMARstimulant2015
1-Cyclohexyl-4-piperazineMT-45opioid2015
4-Phenylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid ethyl esterNorpethidineopioid 1971Commonly used in the production of Pethidine, although it has little opioid activity in its own right

any compound structurally derived from tryptamine or from a ring-hydroxy tryptamine by modification in any of the following ways, that is to say—
the following phenethylamine derivatives, namely:—
any compound structurally derived from phenethylamine an N-alkylphenethylamine, a methylphenethylamine, an N-alkyl-α-methylphenethylamine, an ethylphenethylamine, or an N-alkyl-α-ethylphenethylamine by substitution in the ring to any extent with alkyl, alkoxy, alkylenedioxy or halide substituents, whether or not further substituted in the ring by one or more other univalent substituents.
any compound structurally derived from fentanyl by modification in any of the following ways, that is to say,
any compound structurally derived from pethidine by modification in any of the following ways, that is to say,
any compound structurally derived from mescaline, 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxy-α-methylphenethylamine, 2,5-dimethoxy-α,4-dimethylphenethylamine, N-hydroxytenamphetamine, or a compound specified in sub-paragraph or above, by substitution at the nitrogen atom of the amino group with a benzyl substituent, whether or not substituted in the phenyl ring of the benzyl group to any extent.”.
2. Any stereoisomeric form of a substance for the time being specified in paragraph 1 above not being dextromethorphan or dextrorphan.
3. Any ester or ether of a substance for the time being specified in paragraph 1 or 2 above .
4. Any salt of a substance for the time being specified in any of paragraphs 1 to 3 above.
5. Any preparation or other product containing a substance or product for the time being specified in any of paragraphs 1 to 4 above.
6. Any preparation designed for administration by injection which includes a substance or product for the time being specified in any of paragraphs 1 to 3 of Part II of this Schedule.

Class B drugs

1. The following substances, namely:—
Name as specified
in the Act		Brand or
street name
Drug type
When
added
Notes and comments
Acetyldihydrocodeineopioid1971
AmphetamineSpeedstimulant1971
CodeinePurple drank, Leanopioid1971legal without prescription in quantities of up to 12.8 mg per dosage unit or 15 mg/5 ml in oral solution. UK Codeine law
Cannabinol and derivativescannabinoid2009downgraded from class A to class C in 2004 and upgraded to class B in 2009
CannabisCannabis, Green, Hash, Marijuana, Pot, Puff, Skunk, Weed cannabinoid, sedative, hallucinogen2009All cannabis varieties, including those grown as hemp, are controlled under the act, not just drug varieties
Downgraded from class B to class C in 2004 and upgraded to class B in 2009
DihydrocodeineParacodine, Synalgos DCopioid1971legal in amounts up to 30 mg prescribed by doctor in tablet form and compounded with an adjunct non-opioid such as paracetamol.
EthylmorphineCodethylineopioid1971
GlutethimideDoridensedative1985
KetamineKetalar, Special K, Ket, Kenny, Kennethsedative2006, moved to class B in 2014Used by Doctors on Air Ambulance duties to provide pain relief for serious or life-threatening injuries in extreme circumstances, when casualty sedation is required prior to a potential RSI.
Lefetaminestimulant1985
LisdexamfetamineElvanse in the UK, Vyvanse in the USstimulant2014
Mecloqualonesedative1984
a-Methylphenethylhydroxylamine2001
MethaqualoneLudes, Mandrake, Mandrax, Quaaludesedative1984
Methcathinonestimulant1998
Methoxetaminedissociative2013
4–MethylmethcathinoneMCAT, Mephedrone, Meow Meow, Bath Saltsstimulant2010
MethyloneM1stimulant2010
MethylphenidateRitalin, Concertastimulant1971
Methylphenobarbitonesedative1984
NaphyroneNRG-1stimulant2010
Nicocodeineopioid1971
Nicodicodineopioid1973
Norcodeineopioid1971
PentazocineTalwin, Fortalopioid1985
PhenmetrazinePreludinstimulant1971
Pholcodineopioid1971
Propiramopioid1973
Zipeprolopioid1998

Any compound structurally derived from 2–amino–1–phenyl–1–propanone by modification in any of the following ways, that is to say,
Any compound structurally derived from 2–aminopropan–1–one by substitution at the 1-position with any monocyclic, or fused‑polycyclic ring system, whether or not the compound is further modified in any of the following ways, that is to say,
any 5,5 disubstituted barbituric acid
–1,4–benzoxazin–6–yl]–1–naphthalenylmethanone.
3–Dimethylheptyl–11–hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol.
oxy–5, 6, 6a, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10a–octahydrophenanthridin–1–yl] acetate.
9-–6, 6–dimethyl–3––6a, 7, 10, 10a–tetrahydrobenzochromen–1–ol.
–1,4–benzoxazin–6–yl]–1–naphthalenylmethanone.
Any compound structurally derived from 3–indole or 1H–indol–3–yl–methane by substitution at the nitrogen atom of the indole ring by alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkylmethyl, cycloalkylethyl or 2–ethyl, whether or not further substituted in the indole ring to any extent and whether or not substituted in the naphthyl ring to any extent.
Any compound structurally derived from 3–pyrrole by substitution at the nitrogen atom of the pyrrole ring by alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkylmethyl, cycloalkylethyl or 2–ethyl, whether or not further substituted in the pyrrole ring to any extent and whether or not substituted in the naphthyl ring to any extent.
Any compound structurally derived from 1–indene by substitution at the 3–position of the indene ring by alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkylmethyl, cycloalkylethyl or 2–ethyl, whether or not further substituted in the indene ring to any extent and whether or not substituted in the naphthyl ring to any extent.
Nabilone
Any compound structurally derived from 3–phenylacetylindole by substitution at the nitrogen atom of the indole ring with alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkylmethyl, cycloalkylethyl or 2–ethyl, whether or not further substituted in the indole ring to any extent and whether or not substituted in the phenyl ring to any extent.
Any compound structurally derived from 2–phenol by substitution at the 5–position of the phenolic ring by alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkylmethyl, cycloalkylethyl or 2–ethyl, whether or not further substituted in the cyclohexyl ring to any extent.";
Any compound structurally derived from 3-benzoylindole by substitution at the nitrogen atom of the indole ring by alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, cyanoalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, cycloalkylmethyl, cycloalkylethyl, methyl or 2–ethyl, whether or not further substituted in the indole ring to any extent and whether or not substituted in the phenyl ring to any extent.
Any compound structurally derived from 3-indole or 3-indole by substitution at the nitrogen atom of the indole ring by alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, cyanoalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, cycloalkylmethyl, cycloalkylethyl, methyl or 2–ethyl, whether or not further substituted in the indole ring to any extent and whether or not substituted in the adamantyl ring to any extent.
Any compound structurally derived from 3-indole by substitution at the nitrogen atom of the indole ring by alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, cyanoalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, cycloalkylmethyl, cycloalkylethyl, methyl or 2–ethyl, whether or not further substituted in the indole ring to any extent.
any compound structurally related to 1-pentyl-3-indole, in that the four sub-structures, that is to say the indole ring, the pentyl substituent, the methanone linking group and the naphthyl ring, are linked together in a similar manner, whether or not any of the sub-structures have been modified, and whether or not substituted in any of the linked sub-structures with one or more univalent substituents and, where any of the sub-structures have been modified, the modifications of the sub-structures are limited to any of the following, that is to say—
1-Phenylcyclohexylamine or any compound structurally derived from 1-phenylcyclohexylamine or 2-amino-2-phenylcyclohexanone by modification in any of the following ways, that is to say,
by substitution at the nitrogen atom to any extent by alkyl, alkenyl or hydroxyalkyl groups, or replacement of the amino group with a 1-piperidyl, 1-pyrrolidyl or 1-azepyl group, whether or not the nitrogen containing ring is further substituted by one or more alkyl groups;
by substitution in the phenyl ring to any extent by amino, alkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy or halide substituents, whether or not further substituted in the phenyl ring to any extent;
by substitution in the cyclohexyl or cyclohexanone ring by one or more alkyl substituents;
by replacement of the phenyl ring with a thienyl ring.
Any compound structurally derived from 1-benzofuran, 2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran, 1H-indole, indoline, 1H-indene, or indane by substitution in the 6-membered ring with a 2-ethylamino substituent whether or not further substituted in the ring system to any extent with alkyl, alkoxy, halide or haloalkyl substituents and whether or not substituted in the ethylamino side-chain with one or more alkyl substituents.
2. Any stereoisomeric form of a substance for the time being specified in paragraph 1 of this Part of this Schedule.
3. Any salt of a substance for the time being specified in paragraph 1 or 2 of this Part of this Schedule.
4. Any preparation or other product containing a substance or product for the time being specified in any of paragraphs 1 to 3 of this Part of this Schedule, not being a preparation falling within paragraph 6 of Part I of this Schedule.

Class C drugs

1. Class C drugs, supposedly the least harmful drugs, include the following substances:—
Name as specified
in the Act		Brand or
street name		Drug typeWhen
added		Notes and comments
AdinazolamDeracynbenzodiazepine2017
AlprazolamXanaxbenzodiazepine1985
Aminorexstimulant1998
BenzphetamineDidrexstimulant1971metabolised into amphetamine and methamphetamine
BromazepamLexotanbenzodiazepine1985
BrotizolamLendorminbenzodiazepine1998
BuprenorphineSubutex, Buprenexopioid1989used for opioid replacement therapy to treat addiction
Camazepambenzodiazepine1985
Cathinestimulant1986Khat, the plant from which Cathine originates is now also illegal in The United Kingdom
Cathinonestimulant1986Khat, the plant from which Cathinone originates is now also illegal in The United Kingdom
ChlordiazepoxideLibriumbenzodiazepine1985
ChlorphentermineApsedonstimulant1971
ClobazamFrisiumbenzodiazepine1985
Clorazepic acidTranxènebenzodiazepine1985
ClonazepamRivotril, Klonopinbenzodiazepine1985
ClotiazepamClozanbenzodiazepine1985
Cloxazolambenzodiazepine1985
Delorazepambenzodiazepine1985
DextropropoxypheneDarvon, Depronalopioid1983
DiazepamValiumbenzodiazepine1985
Diethylpropionstimulant1984
EstazolamProSombenzodiazepine1985
EthchlorvynolPlacidylsedative1985
Ethinamatesedative1985
Etilamfetaminestimulant1986
Ethyl loflazepatebenzodiazepine1985
Fencamfaminestimulant1971Removed from the schedule in 1973, added to the schedule again in 1986
Fenethyllinestimulant1986
Fenproporexstimulant1986
Fludiazepambenzodiazepine1985
FlunitrazepamRohypnolbenzodiazepine1985
FlurazepamDalmane, Staurodormbenzodiazepine1985
GabapentinNeurontinGabapentinoid2019
gamma-ButyrolactoneGBLsedative2009Metabolised to GHB in the body. Classified in December 2009
Halazepambenzodiazepine1985
Haloxazolambenzodiazepine1985
4-Hydroxy-n-butyric acidGHBsedative2003
Ketazolambenzodiazepine1985
LoprazolamDormonoctbenzodiazepine1985
LorazepamAtivanbenzodiazepine1985
LormetazepamNoctamid, Lorametbenzodiazepine1985
Mazindolstimulant1985
Medazepambenzodiazepine1985
Mefenorexstimulant1986amphetamine derivative, metabolises to amphetamine
Mephenterminestimulant1971
MeprobamateMiltownsedative1985
Mesocarbstimulant1998used to counteract the effects of benzodiazepines
Methyprylonesedative1985
MidazolamVersedbenzodiazepine1990
Nimetazepambenzodiazepine1985
NitrazepamMogadonbenzodiazepine1985
NordazepamCalmdaybenzodiazepine1985
OxazepamSerestabenzodiazepine1985
Oxazolambenzodiazepine1985
Pemolinestimulant1989
PhendimetrazineBontrilstimulant1971
PhentermineFastin, Ionaminstimulant1985
Pinazepambenzodiazepine1985
Pipradrolstimulant1971
Propylhexedrinestimulant1971legalised in 1995
PrazepamLysanxiabenzodiazepine1985
PregabalinLyricagabapentinoid2019
Pyrovaleronestimulant1986
TemazepamRestoril, jelliesbenzodiazepine1985becomes class A when prepared for injection
Tetrazepambenzodiazepine1985
Tramadolopioid2014Also functions as a weak SNRI.
TriazolamHalcionbenzodiazepine1985
ZaleplonSonatanonbenzodiazepine2014
ZolpidemAmbiennonbenzodiazepine2003
ZopicloneImovanenonbenzodiazepine2014

any compound structurally derived from 17-hydroxyandrostan-3-one or from 17-hydroxyestran-3-one by modification in any of the following ways, that is to say,
by further substitution at position 17 by a methyl or ethyl group;
by substitution to any extent at one or more of positions 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11 or 16, but at no other position;
by unsaturation in the carbocyclic ring system to any extent, provided that there are no more than two ethylenic bonds in any one carbocyclic ring;
by fusion of ring A with a heterocyclic system;
any substance which is an ester or ether of a substance specified in sub-paragraph or described in sub-paragraph above;
1–benzylpiperazine or any compound piperazine or 1––4– structurally derived from 1–benzylpiperazine or 1–phenylpiperazine by modification in any of the following ways
by substitution at the second nitrogen atom of the piperazine ring with alkyl, benzyl, haloalkyl or phenyl groups;
by substitution in the aromatic ring to any extent with alkyl, alkoxy, alkylenedioxy, halide or haloalkyl groups;
2. Any stereoisomeric form of a substance for the time being specified in paragraph 1 of this Part of this Schedule
3. Any salt of a substance for the time being specified in paragraph 1 or 2 of this Part of this Schedule.
4. Any preparation or other product containing a substance for the time being specified in any of paragraphs 1 to 3 of this Part of this Schedule.

Derivatives and analogues

The act contains several references to "derivatives" of compounds but the extent of this term is not fully clarified. Where unspecified it is thought to indicate derivatives which can be made from the specified compound in a single synthetic step, although such a definition would indicate that alkyllysergamide analogues would be uncontrolled. Where the derivatives are specified to be "structural derivatives" there is precedent that the statute applies whenever the structure could be converted to the specified derivatives in any number of synthetic steps.