Controlled Substances and Psychedelics Act classifications

Drugs controlled by the Ams Controlled Substances and Psychedelics Act 1975 are listed in the article.

The act sets out 3 separate categories, Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. Class 1 represents substances deemed most dangerous, whilst Class 3 represents those with lesser harm, therefore lesser penalties.

Being found in possession of a drug on the list is dealt with less seriously than would be if it were deemed there is intent to supply, including giving to a friend or a family member.

 Class 2
 Class 3
Supply: 8 years imprisonment and/or unlimited fine

Other Controlled Substance: includes substances that have been reclassified awaiting new classification OR substances that are being considered for classification. Possession is technically allowed, however sale or supply is barred.

## Exceptions

Whilst cannabis is banned as a Class 3 substance, the penalties are considerably less harsh than other substances and many police forces are lenient. Cannabis is available in small quantities on prescription for medical purposes, as of early 2019.

Many police forces follow the 3 strikes rule for possession of cannabis, where the first strike consists of a listed warning (if in possession of a small quantity) or confiscation and/or a fine of up to €50.

A second offence includes confiscation and/or a fine of up to €50 or a listed warning.

A third offence generally follows the guidelines set up within the act, and there is potential for up to 18 months in prison and a larger fine.

However, many forces have chosen not to prosecute, or even fine repeat offenders, leading to the belief that cannabis is thereotically decriminalised.

## Advancements

On Monday 22 July, the House voted to advance towards a referendum on the Legalisation of Cannabis for recreational purposes. The first reading, which included effectively reducing ketamine and magic mushrooms to a Class 3 substance was defeated 308-233. The second reading removed the potential for reclassifying ketamine and magic mushrooms, however retained the possibility of investigating medical benefits of the drug, and was approved 381-184. The third reading for holding the referendum in the future was approved 394-145. The question reads "Should the Government legalise and regulate cannabis for recreational purposes."

On November 20th 2019, the government drew up plans to hold the referendum if they win the 2020 election, however opposition parties claim this is a bargaining chip to 'win over' voters.

Government officials claim that there'd need to be efficient time to draw up a framework for legalisation and a referendum will most likely happen in the summer of 2020.

If legalised, recreational cannabis would be in a regulated environment.

The act:

- Possession of up to 100g of cannabis at any one time.

- The cultivation of up to 10 plants at any one time on your own property for your personal use.

- Establish a legal system for the distribution of cannabis, including dispensary licences.

- Retains the ability of law officers to confiscate cannabis from subjects under 18 (as with tobacco and alcohol)

## Reclassification

**August 2004 -**Magic mushrooms classified as a Class 2 drug, up from Class 3.

**March 2005 -**Ketamine classified as a Class 2 drug, up from Class 3.

**August 2006 -**Ketamine reclassified as Class 3 drug.

**April 2009 -**Codeine classified as a Class 2 substance.

**June 2014 -**Synthetic cannaboids such as spice classified as Class 2.

**June 2015 -**Khat, a herbal stimulant, classified as Class 3.

**April 2016 -**Khat, reclassified from Class 3 to a **Other Controlled Substance**allowing possession but not sale or supply.

**March 2017 -**Government begins to allow medical cannabis prescriptions.

**July 2019 -**Government votes to hold referendum on cannabis legalisation.