Controlled drugs are substances regulated by the UK government due to their potential for addiction, misuse, and harm. Their production, supply, possession, storage, and destruction are subject to strict legal controls under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.
They are classified into five schedules under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001:
Unlicensed medical cannabis is classed as a Schedule 2 controlled drug and it can only be initiated by a specialist clinician.
Yes. Unlicensed medical cannabis products fall under Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. These products can be initiated by a clinician on the General Medical Council’s Specialist Register for patients with an unmet clinical need. Cannabis remains a Schedule 1 drug outside of legally-prescribed medical cannabis products.
Schedule 2 controlled drugs are substances that have recognised medicinal uses but also a potential for addiction or misuse. These include opioids (e.g. morphine), stimulants (e.g. amphetamines), and cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs). Strict prescription, dispensing, and record-keeping requirements apply to these drugs to prevent misuse while ensuring access for medical treatment.
Controlled drugs can only be prescribed by healthcare professionals authorised under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. This includes doctors on the General Medical Council’s Specialist Register, pharmacist independent prescribers, and other non-medical prescribers where regulations allow.
The Safer Management of Controlled Drugs Regulations (2006, updated 2013) were introduced following high-profile cases of drug misuse in healthcare settings. These regulations strengthen governance and oversight of controlled drugs, ensure safe prescribing and dispensing practices, and reduce the risk of misuse within the healthcare system.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) oversees controlled drug prescribing in the independent sector.
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