Your guide to Pharmacy Law and Ethics
Understand the legal requirements for controlled drugs, including prescribing, storage, record-keeping, and compliance with CD schedules.
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 outline who is legally allowed to possess Controlled Drugs (CDs). Unauthorized possession is an offence unless the individual has legal authority.
Pharmacists and healthcare professionals may legally possess CDs only under specific circumstances, such as:
Key Requirements:
Controlled Drugs (CDs) are classified into five schedules under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (SI 2001 No. 3998). Each schedule has different legal requirements governing possession, supply, prescription, storage, and record-keeping. The classification is based on potential for misuse, medical use, and risk of dependence.
This guidance provides an overview of the classification system for Controlled Drugs. Pharmacists must be aware of the specific legal requirements for each schedule to ensure compliance with the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.