It is often presented as little more than a list of prohibited drugs and of penalties linked to their possession and supply. In practice, however, the act establishes the Home Secretary as a key player in a drug licensing system. Therefore, for example, various opiates are available legally as prescription - only medicines, and cannabis (hemp) may be grown under licence for ' industrial purposes '. The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, created under the 1971 Act, are about licensing of production, possession and supply of substances classified under the act.
what is the purpose of the misuse of drugs act 1971
establishes the Home Secretary as a key player in a drug licensing system